The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Xerxes
Also known as Xerxes the Great, Xerxes I of Persia
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 54
Imperial ambition seems to flow through his very posture, a king whose presence fills whatever space he occupies. There's something both magnificent and terrible in the way he carries the weight of empire.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult king during invasion
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 54
- Books
- 1
Xerxes the Great led the Persian invasion of Greece, destroying temples throughout the region except for Ephesus, and famously constructed a bridge of boats across the Hellespont. His conversation with Demaratus at Thermopylae became one of history's most compelling exchanges between opposing worldviews, while his vast host included diverse troops such as the Colchians who served with distinctive weapons and armor.
Description
Xerxes presents the imposing figure of a Persian king at war, with a royal warrior bearing that speaks to both his imperial status and military ambitions. His appearance combines the elaborate dress of Persian royalty with the practical elements of conquest, marked by strong features and the commanding presence of one who leads vast armies across great distances.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
Meet Xerxes in Bookworm
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