PERSIA- XERXES (4) Flashcards
When did Xerxes rule from and to?
486-465 BC
How did Xerxes portray himself in the royal inscriptions?
Firmly as continuing his father’s legacy, promoting the fact that he had completed his father’s building projects. Following the wishes of Ahuramazda
What gate did Xerxes commission?
The Gate of All Lands
What is Xerxes known as having
Hubris
What was the greek word for ‘retribution’
Nemesis
Why did Xerxes become king and not his older brother
Xerxes was apparently chosen by Ahuramazda
Who revolted at the start of Xerxes’ reign
Egypt and Babylon
Why did the invasion of Greece happen?
Revenge on Athenians, reap the economic benefits, some greeks were urging an invasion of Persia
What did Artabanus tell Xerxes about invading Greece
That he shouldnt accompany the army to save himself the embarrassment- however this is likely not true, as Herodotus probably wouldn’t know about the goings on in Persian courts
How many soldiers does Herodotus say were part of the Invasion of Greece
2.6 million, drawn from 47 nations
How large was the fleet of Persian invaders, according to Herodotus and Aeschylus
1207 ships
What are the modern estimates of the Soldiers and fleet numbers
60000-80000 men, 300-600 ships
How long did Xerxes prepare for the campaign
4 years
How did Xerxes prepare for the campaign
Supply depots through Thrace and Macedonia, Canal through the Athos peninsula, and two bridges built across the Hellespont, imitating the achievement of Darius bridging the Bosporus in 513 BC
Where did the Persian force assemble and when
In Sardis, 481 BC