Xerxes
A Persian king who led the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae and the Battle of Salamis
Xerxes was the fourth king of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from 486 to 465 BCE. He succeeded his father, Darius I, and is known for his military campaigns, building projects, and religious policies. He led a massive invasion of Greece in 480 BCE, which ultimately ended in defeat at the Battle of Salamis.
Xerxes was a powerful ruler who wanted to maintain the empire his father had built, but also expand it further. He launched the invasion of Greece as a way to showcase his military might and to control the Greek city-states. He also undertook major building projects, including the construction of Persepolis, his capital city.
Xerxes is also known for his religious policies, as he attempted to unite the various religious beliefs within his empire. He supported the Zoroastrian religion, which was the official religion of Persia, but also allowed other religions to be practiced. He sponsored the building of temples and encouraged religious tolerance and acceptance.
Overall, Xerxes was a complex and important ruler in ancient history, leaving behind an enduring legacy in art, architecture, and politics.
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