what religion was xerxes

What was the main religion of the Persian Empire?

By 650 BCE, the Zoroastrian faith, a monotheistic religion founded on the ideas of the philosopher Zoroaster, had become the official religion of ancient Persia.

Did King Xerxes think he was a god?

The historical Xerxes probably did not consider himself a god, but he was a legend in his own time. He removed a golden statue from the temple of Zeus, desecrating the temple, something his father Darius did not dare to do.Oct 28, 2013

Is King Xerxes in the Bible?

Of all the characters mentioned in the story of Esther, the only one for which there is any historical record outside of the biblical text is King Ahasuerus, who most scholars today link to the Persian King Xerxes I.Mar 16, 2022

Why is Ahasuerus called Xerxes?

Etymology. It's believed that the Hebrew form derives from the Old Persian name of Xerxes I, Xšayāršā (< xšaya 'king' + aršan 'male' > 'king of all male; Hero among Kings').

What god did Xerxes worship?

He handily crushed these insurgents. Worse, however, was the Babylonian revolt, which Xerxes sent his son-in-law to quell. He punished Babylon without mercy and toppled the statue of Marduk, their chief god.

Who is Yahweh in Christianity?

Yahweh, name for the God of the Israelites, representing the biblical pronunciation of “YHWH,” the Hebrew name revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus.

Is King Ahasuerus the same as Xerxes?

Ahasuerus, a royal Persian name occurring throughout the Old Testament. Immediately preceding Artaxerxes I in the line of Persian kings, Ahasuerus is evidently to be identified with Xerxes.

Who was Xerxes wife?

Amestris Queen424 BC) was a Persian queen, the wife of Xerxes I of Persia, mother of Achaemenid King of Kings Artaxerxes I of Persia....AmestrisQueen consort of the Achaemenid EmpireSpouseXerxes I of PersiaIssueDarius Hystaspes Artaxerxes I of Persia Amytis RhodogyneHousePersia4 more rows

What problems did Xerxes I face when he became king?

Upon his accession to the Persian throne in 486 BCE, Xerxes I had to first remove a usurper satrap from Egypt. He handily crushed these insurgents....

Why did Xerxes I go to war with the Greeks?

Xerxes I was likely persuaded by his cousin Mardonius to invade Greece in 480 BCE in order to avenge the late king Darius I. Darius, Xerxes’ father...

How successful was Xerxes I in the first part of his war with the Greeks?

Modern scholars estimate that Xerxes I crossed the Hellespont with approximately 360,000 soldiers and a navy of 700 to 800 ships, reaching Greece i...

What was the turning point for Xerxes I in his invasion of Greece?

Despite early successes, Xerxes I’s fortunes soured at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. A small Greek fleet lured his enormous navy into the strai...

What did Xerxes I do after he failed to conquer Greece?

After his failure in Greece, Xerxes I started a lavish construction program in Persepolis at great expense to his subjects. He built a new palace a...

Who brought the religion to Persia?

Zoroaster was the prophet who brought this religion to Persia. However, it is not clear when he lived. Dates are given from 1600 B.C. to 500’s B.C. – this is a large range. Most scholars put it at about 1000 B.C. – the time of David.

What did Zoroaster see?

At the age of thirty, Zoroaster had a divine vision while bathing in a river during a pagan purification rite. On the bank of the river he saw a ‘Shining Being’ made of light who revealed himself as Vohu Manah (‘Good Mind’). Vohu Manah led Zoroaster to the presence of Ahura Mazda (God) and five other radiant beings, which are called the Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals). This was the first of a number of visions in which Zoroaster saw Ahura Mazda and his Amesha Spentas; during each vision he asked many questions. The answers given to Zoroaster are the foundations of Zoroastrian religion.

What does Herodotus say about fatherhood?

Fatherhood – We read in Herodotus: “Next to prowess in arms, it is regarded as the greatest proof of manly excellence to be the father of many sons. Every year, the king sends rich gifts to the man, who can show the largest number: for they hold that number is strength.”

Who was Xerxes' father?

Xerxes was the son of Darius I and Atossa, daughter of Cyrus; he was the first son born to Darius after his accession to the throne. Xerxes was designated heir apparent by his father in preference to his elder brother Artabazanes. A bas-relief on the southern portico of a courtyard in the treasury of Persepolis, as well as the bas-reliefs on the east door of the tripylon (an ornamental stairway) depict him as the heir apparent, standing behind his father, who is seated on the throne. When his father died, in 486 bce, Xerxes was about 35 years old and had already governed Babylonia for a dozen years.

What was Xerxes I's first project?

After his failure in Greece, Xerxes I started a lavish construction program in Persepolis at great expense to his subjects. He built a new palace and began work on the monumental Hall of a Hundred Columns. He was assassinated by his courtiers in 465 BCE, before it was completed.

What was the worst thing Xerxes did?

Worse, however, was the Babylonian revolt, which Xerxes sent his son-in-law to quell. He punished Babylon without mercy and toppled the statue of Marduk, their chief god.

How many ships did Xerxes I have?

How successful was Xerxes I in the first part of his war with the Greeks? Modern scholars estimate that Xerxes I crossed the Hellespont with approximately 360,000 soldiers and a navy of 700 to 800 ships, reaching Greece in 480 BCE. He defeated the Spartans at Thermopylae, conquered Attica, and sacked Athens.

When did Xerxes conquer Athens?

After a few successes (e.g., Thermopylae, mid-August 480 bce ), Xerxes occupied Attica and pillaged Athens on September 21, but on September 29, at Salamis, a naval battle that he had initiated turned into a defeat.

Who was the Persian king?

king of Persia. Professor of Oriental Archaeology, University of Paris I. Author of Iran. Xerxes I, Old Persian Khshayarsha, byname Xerxes the Great, (born c. 519 bce —died 465, Persepolis, Iran), Persian king (486–465 bce ), the son and successor of Darius I. He is best known for his massive invasion of Greece from across the Hellespont ...

Who was the Persian king who invaded Greece?

Xerxes I, Old Persian Khshayarsha, byname Xerxes the Great, (born c. 519 bce —died 465, Persepolis, Iran), Persian king (486–465 bce ), the son and successor of Darius I. He is best known for his massive invasion of Greece from across the Hellespont (480 bce ), a campaign marked by the battles of Thermopylae, Salamis, and Plataea.

Where did Xerxes live?

Starting from 498 BC, Xerxes resided in the royal palace of Babylon.

Who was Xerxes' father?

Xerxes' father was Darius the Great ( r. 522 – 486 BC ), the incumbent monarch of the Achaemenid Empire, albeit himself not a member of the family of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the empire. Xerxes' mother was Atossa, a daughter of Cyrus. Darius and Atossa had married in 522 BC, with Xerxes being born around 518 BC.

Why is Xerxes bad?

Much of Xerxes' bad reputation is due to propaganda by the Macedonian king Alexander the Great ( r. 336–323 BC ), who had him vilified. The modern historian Richard Stoneman regards the portrayal of Xerxes as more nuanced and tragic in the work of the contemporary Greek historian Herodotus. However, many modern historians agree that Herodotus recorded spurious information. Pierre Briant has accused him of presenting a stereotyped and biased portrayal of the Persians. Many Achaemenid-era clay tablets and other reports written in Elamite, Akkadian, Egyptian, and Aramaic are frequently contradictory to the reports of classical authors, i.e. Ctesias, Plutarch, and Justin.

How long did it take Xerxes to raise another army?

Xerxes thus had to raise another army for his expedition into Greece, which took four years. There was also unrest in Babylon, which revolted at least twice against Xerxes.

What happened at Artemisium?

At Artemisium, large storms had destroyed ships from the Greek side and so the battle stopped prematurely as the Greeks received news of the defeat at Thermopylae and retreated. Foundations of the Old Temple of Athena, destroyed by the armies of Xerxes I during the Destruction of Athens in 480 BC.

What happened to Xerxes' accession?

At Xerxes' accession, trouble was brewing in some of his domains. A revolt occurred in Egypt, which seems to have been dangerous enough for Xerxes to personally lead the army to restore order (which also gave him the opportunity to begin his reign with a military campaign).

Where was the Xerxes Canal dug?

From 483 BC, Xerxes prepared his expedition: The Xerxes Canal was dug through the isthmus of the peninsula of Mount Athos, provisions were stored in the stations on the road through Thrace, and two pontoon bridges later known as Xerxes' Pontoon Bridges were built across the Hellespont.

Life

Immediately after seizing the kingship, Darius I of Persia (son of Hystaspes) married Atossa (daughter of Cyrus the Great ). They were both descendants of Achaemenes from different Achaemenid lines. Marrying a daughter of Cyrus strengthened Darius' position as king.

Death

In the year 465 Xerxes was murdered by Artabanus the commander of the royal bodyguard and the most powerful official in Persian court (Hazarapat/commander of thousand).

Campaigns

Darius left to his son the task of punishing the Athenians, Naxians, and Ethiopians for their interference in the Ionian Revolt and their victory over the Persians at Marathon.

Construction projects

After the military blunders in Greece, Xerxes returned to Persia and completed the many construction projects left unfinished by his father at Susa and Persepolis. He built the Gate of all Nations and the Hall of a Hundred Columns at Persepolis, which are the largest and most imposing structures of the palace.

In the Bible

The name Xerxes has not traditionally appeared in English bibles, but has rather appeared as 'Ahasuerus', while in many other more modern translations and paraphrases they have directly listed Xerxes.

In the Book of Esther

For these same reasons and due to the historical context of the text, it is also commonly understood and translated that Esther 's husband Ahasuerus is Xerxes the Great.

In Classical Music

Xerxes is the protagonist of the opera "Serse" by the German-English Baroque composer George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in King's Theatre in London on 15 April 1738.

What is Xerxes from?

Scholars know Xerxes primarily from Greek records pertaining to a failed attempt to add Greece to the Persian Empire. Those earliest surviving records include a play by Aeschylus (525–456 BCE) called "The Persians" and Herodotus ' "Histories.".

What was Xerxes' education?

Education. There are no surviving records of Xerxes' specific education, but the Greek philosopher Xenophon (431–354 BCE), who knew Xerxes' great-grandson, described the main features of a noble Persian's education. The boys were taught in the court by eunuchs, receiving lessons in riding and archery from a young age.

Why did Darius choose Xerxes as his successor?

Darius selected Xerxes as his heir and successor because of Atossa's connection to Cyrus, and the fact that Xerxes was the first son born to Darius after he became king. Darius' eldest son Artobarzanes (or Ariaramnes) was from his first wife, who was not of royal blood. When Darius died there were other claimants—Darius had at least three other wives, including another daughter of Cyrus, but apparently, the transition was not strongly contested. The investiture may have taken place at Zendan-e-Suleiman (Solomon's Prison) at Pasargadae, a sanctuary of the goddess Anahita near the hollow cone of an ancient volcano.

What did Darius want to add to his first step into Europe?

Darius wanted to add Greece as his first step into Europe, but it was also a grudge rematch. Cyrus the Great had earlier tried to capture the prize, but instead lost the Battle of Marathon and suffered the sack of his capital of Sardis during the Ionian Revolt (499–493 BCE).

How many uprisings did Xerxes have?

Within the first or second year of Xerxes' rule, he had to quell an uprising in Egypt (he invaded Egypt in 484 BCE and left his brother Achaemenes governor before returning to Persia), at least two u prisings in Babylon, and perhaps one in Judah.

When was Esther written?

DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images. The book of Esther, which may be a work of fiction, is set in Xerxes' rule and was written about 400 BCE. In it, Esther (Asturya), the daughter of Mordecai, marries Xerxes (called Ahasuerus), in order to foil a plot by the wicked Haman who seeks to organize a pogrom against the Jews.

Where did the Persian Empire start?

At the time Xerxes achieved the throne, the Persian empire was at its height, with a number of Persian satrapies (governmental provinces) established from India and central Asia to modern Uzbekistan, westward in North Africa to Ethiopia and Libya and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean. Capitals were established at Sardis, Babylon, Memphis, Ecbatana, Pasargadae, Bactra, and Arachoti, all administered by royal princes.

King Xerxes Had A Controversial Accession

Prior to his death in 486 BC, Darius the Great named his son Xerxes as his successor. However, Xerxes was not the eldest son of the family. His half-brother, Artabazenes, had been born before Darius came to the throne. Initially, Artabazenes claimed the right to the mantle of King.

King Xerxes Tried To Cross The Hellespont

In order to launch his invasion of Greece, King Xerxes planned to cross the Hellespont. Known in modern times as the Dardanelles Strait, this pivotal channel guards the gap between mainland Asia and the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Xerxes I Was Infamous For Harsh Punishments And Womanizing

To build his army for the Greek invasion, King Xerxes enforced conscription throughout his empire. Among those conscripted were the five sons of Pythias, a Lydian governor. Pythias requested that his eldest son be allowed to remain as his heir. Xerxes took offense, believing that Pythias doubted the success of the invasion.

His Building Projects Nearly Bankrupted Persia

After his unsuccessful and expensive Greek campaign, King Xerxes turned his attention to a series of lavish building projects. He added to the royal city of Persepolis that had been begun under his father, Darius. He finished Darius’ palace and the apadena (audience hall), where he also added a beautiful enamel facade over the exterior.

Xerxes Had To Deal A Greek Resurgence

After the defeats at Plataea and Mycale, Persian power in the Aegean was crippled. The Greeks, initially led by Pausanias of Sparta, began a counter-attack aimed at liberating Greek colonies in Asia Minor. Athens and its other city-state allies, which formed the Delian League, were also major contributors.

Xerxes Had A Horrendous Reputation

Because no real Persian records survive from the time of the Achaemenid Empire, our main sources for information come from Greek sources. King Xerxes suffers from an incredibly negative reputation from figures like Herodotus.

King Xerxes Was Assassinated By His Own Advisor

After draining Persia’s treasury through his failed military campaigns and lavish building projects, it’s possible that King Xerxes was not a popular ruler. In 465 BC, Xerxes and his son Darius were reportedly assassinated by Artabanus, a powerful figure in the Persian court.