Xerxes I

Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was a powerful Persian ruler. He lived from about 518 BC to 465 BC. He was the son of Darius the Great and Atossa. He became the fourth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire. Xerxes ruled from 486 BC until he died in 465 BC.

Xerxes is most famous for his invasion of Greece in 480 BC. He wanted to bring Greece into his empire. He led a large army across a narrow sea called the Hellespont. Though he won some battles and captured Athens, his navy lost at the Battle of Salamis. Later, his general lost at the Battle of Plataea, and the invasion ended.

After the war, Xerxes worked on building projects. He finished many buildings that his father had started, like the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana, and the Tachara in Persepolis. He also kept up the Royal Road, a trade route built by his father. Sadly, Xerxes and his son Darius were killed by a commander named Artabanus. Xerxes was succeeded by his third son, who became known as Artaxerxes I.

Etymology

The name Xerxes comes from the Greek and Latin way of saying the Old Iranian name Xšaya-ṛšā. This name means "ruling over heroes." The first part, xšaya, means "ruling." The second part, ṛšā, means "hero" or "man." This name was also known in other ancient languages, such as Akkadian and Aramaic. Many rulers in the Achaemenid Empire used this name.

Early life

Xerxes was the son of Darius the Great and Atossa, who was a daughter of Cyrus the Great. He was born around 518 BC.

Persian princes, including Xerxes, were taught to ride, hunt, and practice archery when they were young. They also learned about their religion and how to be wise, just, and brave. Xerxes became king after his father Darius died in 486 BC. He was about 32 years old when he became king.

Consolidation of power

When Xerxes became king, some places under his rule were unhappy. In Egypt, a revolt happened, and Xerxes led his army there to bring things back under control. He appointed his brother Achaemenes to lead Egypt after the revolt.

There were also troubles in Babylon. The city revolted twice during Xerxes' time as king. The first revolt was short. The second revolt, led by a leader named Shamash-eriba, took longer to stop. After these revolts, Xerxes made changes to how Babylon was governed.

Some old stories say Xerxes damaged buildings and took important items from Babylon, but historians think these stories might not be true. Even with these changes, some traditions in Babylon continued.

Campaigns

Main article: Second Persian invasion of Greece

Xerxes continued plans made by his father, Darius, to lead a large army against Greece. Soldiers from many lands joined his forces. He built special bridges over water to help his army move.

Xerxes’ army fought in many battles. At a battle called Thermopylae, a small group of Greek soldiers tried to stop his larger army but were defeated.

Later, Xerxes’ army attacked the city of Athens and burned it down. But the Greeks won an important sea battle, which made Xerxes decide to return to his empire. His remaining soldiers in Greece were later defeated by the Greeks.

Construction projects

After his military efforts in Greece, Xerxes returned to Persia. He finished many buildings that his father had started in Susa and Persepolis. He built the Gate of All Nations and the Hall of a Hundred Columns at Persepolis, the largest and most impressive buildings of the palace. He also completed the Apadana, the Tachara (Palace of Darius), and the Treasury. He even built his own palace, which was twice the size of his father's. He loved grand architecture even more than his father. He added colorful enameled bricks to the outside of the Apadana. He also cared for the Royal Road that his father had built and finished the Susa Gate, as well as building a palace in Susa.

Death and succession

In August 465 BC, Artabanus, the commander of the royal guard, killed Xerxes with help from a eunuch named Aspamitres. Artabanus wanted to control the Persian court.

Greek stories differ about what happened after. One says Artabanus blamed Xerxes's son Darius for the death and asked another son, Artaxerxes, to kill Darius. Another story says Artabanus killed Darius first, then Xerxes, and was later killed by Artaxerxes and his sons. The general Megabyzus helped the Achaemenids keep control of the throne.

Religion

Xerxes believed strongly in Ahura Mazda, the most important god. People following the (Indo-)Iranian religious traditions also worshipped Ahura Mazda. Xerxes talked to local religious leaders and made offerings to their gods. Sometimes, he tore down temples in places that caused trouble.

Wives and children

By queen Amestris:

• Darius, the first born son.
• Hystaspes
• Artaxerxes I
• Rhodogune
• Amytis, wife of Megabyzus.
• Esther wife of King Xerxes

By unknown wives or mistresses:

• Artarius, satrap of Babylon.
• Tithraustes
• Parysatis
• Ratashah

Reception

Xerxes has appeared in many stories and plays. In old Greek plays, he is shown as a proud leader whose big plans led to problems. The writer Herodotus wrote about Xerxes and the wars between Persia and Greece, but some of his stories might not be completely true.

Xerxes is also mentioned in the Bible as a king named Ahasuerus, though experts are not sure if this is really him. Many operas, books, and movies have included Xerxes, often showing him as a strong but proud ruler. Some newer stories and films show him in different ways, reflecting different ideas about his life and rule.