Xerxes I

Xerxes I, the future King of Persia, is born to Darius I and Atossa, daughter of Cyrus the Great. He is destined to rule one of the largest empires in history.

Xerxes begins his formal education, learning the arts of war, statecraft, and administration. He is tutored by the best scholars and military leaders of the Persian Empire.

Xerxes is appointed as the governor of Babylon, where he gains valuable administrative and political experience. This role prepares him for his future role as king.

Xerxes I ascends to the throne of the Achaemenid Empire after the death of his father, Darius I. He inherits a vast and prosperous empire but also faces challenges and rebellions.

Xerxes I successfully suppresses a major revolt in Babylon, demonstrating his military prowess and reinforcing his authority over the empire. The city is severely punished.

Xerxes I begins planning a massive invasion of Greece to avenge his father's defeat and expand the Persian Empire. He assembles a vast army and prepares for the campaign.

Xerxes I leads the Persian army to Greece, where they win the Battle of Thermopylae but suffer a decisive naval defeat at the Battle of Salamis. This marks a turning point in the war.

Following the defeat at Salamis, Xerxes I retreats from Greece, leaving his army under the command of Mardonius. The Persians are eventually defeated at the Battle of Plataea.

After the Greek campaign, Xerxes I focuses on internal affairs, including the construction of monumental buildings and the maintenance of the empire's infrastructure.

Xerxes I is assassinated in his palace at Persepolis by Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard. His son Artaxerxes I succeeds him as king of the Persian Empire.