Xerxes I

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

Xerxes is most famous for his big invasion of Greece in 480 BC. He wanted to punish the Greeks for helping people in a revolt and to make Greece part of his empire. He led a huge army across a narrow sea called the Hellespont into Europe. Although he won some battles and even captured the city of Athens, his navy was defeated at the Battle of Salamis. Later, his general was defeated at the Battle of Plataea, and the Persian invasion ended.

After the war in Greece, Xerxes focused on building projects. He finished many important buildings that his father had started, like the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana, and the Tachara in the city of Persepolis. He also kept up the Royal Road, a long 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, which means "ruling over heroes." The first part, xšaya, means "ruling," and the second part, ṛšā, means "hero" or "man." This name was also known in other ancient languages, such as Akkadian and Aramaic, and it was used by many rulers in the Achaemenid Empire.

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 from a young age. 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 took the throne.

Consolidation of power

When Xerxes became king, some areas 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 lasted only a short time. 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 and could be because people were upset with Persian rule. Even with these changes, some traditions in Babylon continued.

Campaigns

Main article: Second Persian invasion of Greece

Xerxes took over plans made by his father, Darius, to lead a big army against Greece. Many soldiers from different lands joined his forces. He built special bridges over water to help his army travel.

Xerxes’ army fought in many battles. At one battle called Thermopylae, a small group of Greek soldiers tried to stop his much 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 go back to his empire. His remaining soldiers in Greece were later defeated by the Greeks.

Construction projects

After his military efforts in Greece, Xerxes went back to Persia. He finished many building projects 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, which are the biggest 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 as big as his father's. He liked grand architecture, even more so than his father. He added colorful enameled bricks to the outside of the Apadana. He also took care of 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 bodyguard, assassinated Xerxes with the help of a eunuch named Aspamitres. Artabanus wanted to take control of the Persian court and planned to remove the Achaemenids from power.

Greek historians tell different stories about what happened next. One says Artabanus accused Xerxes's eldest son, Darius, of the murder and persuaded another son, Artaxerxes, to kill Darius. Another story says Artabanus killed Darius first, then Xerxes, and was later killed by Artaxerxes along with his sons. The general Megabyzus helped keep the Achaemenid control of the throne.

Religion

Xerxes believed strongly in Ahura Mazda, whom he saw as the most important god. Ahura Mazda was also worshipped by people following the (Indo-)Iranian religious traditions. Xerxes treated other religions by talking to local religious leaders, making offerings to their gods, and sometimes tearing 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 been shown in many stories and plays over the years. In ancient Greek plays, he is often shown as a proud leader whose big plans led to his downfall. The writer Herodotus wrote about Xerxes and the wars between Persia and Greece, though some of his stories may not be completely accurate.

Xerxes also appears in the Bible as a king named Ahasuerus, though experts are not sure if this truly refers to him. Many operas, books, and movies have featured Xerxes, sometimes showing him as a powerful but proud ruler. Some modern stories and films portray him in different ways, reflecting various views on his life and rule.