Xerxes I, the fourth king of the Achaemenid Empire, ruled from 486 to 465 BCE. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler who embarked on several military campaigns during his reign. However, his most notable achievement was the construction of the grand city of Persepolis. Xerxes’ death was a tragic event that marked the end of an era in the history of Persia.
According to historical accounts, Xerxes was assassinated by his own courtiers in 465 BCE. The reasons for his assassination are unclear, but it is believed that he was killed due to his oppressive policies and extravagant lifestyle. Xerxes had imposed heavy taxes on his subjects to finance his construction projects, which had caused resentment and unrest among the people.
The assassination of Xerxes was carried out by two of his courtiers, Artabanus and Aspamitres. They were assisted by another courtier named Megabyzus, who had a personal grudge against Xerxes. The tree conspirators plotted to kill Xerxes while he was sleeping. They entered his tent and struck him with a dagger, killing him instantly.
The death of Xerxes came as a shock to the Persian Empire, which had grown accustomed to his rule. The news of his assassination spread quickly, and it caused widespread panic and confusion. Xerxes was succeeded by his son, Artaxerxes I, who managed to stabilize the empire and restore order.
The death of Xerxes I was a tragic event that marked the end of a powerful era in the history of Persia. His assassination was carried out by his own courtiers, who were motivated by a combination of personal grievances and dissatisfaction with his rule. Despite his flaws, Xerxes was a significant figure in the history of Persia and his legacy continues to be remembered to this day.
Death of Xerxes the First
Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, died in 465 BCE. He was assassinated by his own courtiers, who were said to be motivated by a desire for power and revenge. The exact details of his death are not known, but it is believed that he was murdered by a group of conspirators who had been plotting aainst him for some time.
Xerxes had been the king of Persia for over 20 years at the time of his death. He was known for his military campaigns and his lavish building projects, including the construction of a new palace and the Hall of a Hundred Columns in Persepolis.
Despite his military successes, Xerxes was not universally loved by his subjects. He was seen as a tyrant by some, and his building projects were seen as a drain on the economy. This may have contributed to the plot against him.
After Xerxes’ death, his son Artaxerxes I became the new king of Persia. He was able to maintain the empire and continue his father’s legacy, but he faced many challenges during his reign, including rebellions and invasions from neighboring states.
Xerxes’ death marked the end of a significant era in Persian history. His reign was marked by both military conquests and cultural achievements, but his legacy was ultimately overshadowed by his assassination and the challenges faced by his successors.
Death of Xerxes II
Xerxes II, also known as Sogdianus, was a Persian king who ruled for a very short period of time. He succeeded his father, Artaxerxes I, but only reigned for forty-five days before he was murdered.
The circumstances surrounding Xerxes II’s death are not entirely clear, but it is believed that he was killed by two of his own courtiers, Pharnacyas and Menostanes. They were acting on orders from Sogdianus, who was actually the older half-brother of Xerxes II and had been passed over for the throne in favor of his younger brother.
According to some accounts, Xerxes II was drunk at the time of his assassination, which made him an easy target for his attackers. The exact method used to kill him is not known, but it is believed that he was either stabbed or strangled.
After Xerxes II’s death, Sogdianus seized the throne and became the next king of Persia. However, his reign was also short-lived, as he was eventually overthrown by another of his half-brothers, Darius II.
Xerxes II was murdered by two courtiers on the orders of his older half-brother, Sogdianus, whle he was drunk. The exact method of his assassination is not known, but his reign as king of Persia lasted only forty-five days.
The Outcome of the Battle Between Spartans and Xerxes
Xerxes I was not defeated by the Spartans. In fact, Xerxes I was able to defeat the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BCE, which was a significant victory for the Persian Empire. The Spartans, led by King Leonidas, fought bravely against the Persians, but were ultimately defeated due to being outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Despite their defeat, the Spartans’ bravery and sacrifice at Thermopylae has become a symbol of resistance against overwhelming odds.
Conclusion
Xerxes I, the great Persian king, met his demise at the hands of his own courtiers in 465 BCE. He was assassinated befre the completion of his grand construction program in Persepolis, which was carried out at a great expense to his subjects. Xerxes II, who succeeded him, ruled for only forty-five days before being murdered by Pharnacyas and Menostanes on Sogdianus’ orders, while he was drunk. The cause of Xerxes I’s assassination remains a mystery, but it is speculated that it might have been due to his cruel and tyrannical rule or a power struggle within his court. Despite his military victories in Greece, Xerxes I will always be remembered for his lavish construction projects and his tragic end.
