Building Program
This ceremonial palace built by Xerxes at Persepolis was also known as the Audience Hall.
The Apadana
This Greek historian provides the most extensive (though biased) narrative of Xerxes’ reign.
Herodotus
Xerxes invaded Greece in this year.
480BC
Xerxes ruled over a vast empire made up of many different peoples. The official term for these groups, often listed in tribute scenes, was this.
Subject Peoples / Satrapies
Xerxes was assassinated in this year.
465BC
Xerxes completed this famous gate begun by his father Darius, which welcomed foreign visitors to Persepolis.
The Gate of All Nations
In Herodotus’ Histories, Xerxes is often portrayed as having this negative personality trait.
Hubris
This battle, fought at sea, was a major defeat for Xerxes' navy.
Salamis
Xerxes’ policy of respecting local customs and religions is shown by his restoration of this Babylonian temple.
Bel Marduk
Xerxes was murdered by this court official, with the help of Artabanus.
Aspamitres
This structure, attributed to Xerxes, allowed his armies to cross from Asia into Europe during the invasion of Greece.
The Hellespont Bridge
The Apadana displays carvings of subjects bringing this to Xerxes, representing his power and respect as kind.
Tribute
This narrow pass was where Leonidas and the Spartans made their famous last stand.
Thermopylae
This inscription records Xerxes’ punishment of those who destroyed a religious shrine, reinforcing his image as protector of truth and justice.
Daiva Inscription
Xerxes was succeeded by this son after his assassination.
Artaxerxes I
Xerxes restored and completed this religious temple in Babylon, showing his respect for local deities (at least according to some sources)
The Temple of Bel-Marduk.
Modern historian Amélie Kuhrt argues that Xerxes’ invasion of Greece should be understood in this broader context, rather than simply as a personal vendetta.
Persian Imperial Policy/Expansion
Xerxes' army allegedly numbered over a million according to Herodotus, but modern historians estimate it at this more realistic figure.
250'000
Xerxes showed hostility toward this group after revolts, replacing some local leaders with Persian officials.
Egypt & Babylon
Xerxes' assassination reveals this major internal weakness of the Persian Empire.
In the Persepolis terrace inscriptions, Xerxes emphasises his role as king of kings and restorer of order using this religious phrase.
"by the will of Ahuramazda"/"by the grace of Ahuramazda "
In Aeschylus' tragedy The Persians, Xerxes is depicted this way by the Persian court.
A source of shame or a failed leader
After his fleet’s defeat at Salamis, Xerxes returned to Asia and left this trusted general to continue the campaign in Greece.
Mardonius
Xerxes’ interactions with the Greeks before and during the invasion reveal two contrasting strategies: one of force and the other of this diplomatic approach used with some Greek city-states.
Earth and Water (Diplomacy)
Some sources claim Artabanus intended to do this after killing Xerxes.
Take the throne for himself.