Definition

Proper noun A historical figure, Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was the fourth King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from 486 to 465 BC. He is most famously known for his massive invasion of Greece during the Greco-Persian Wars.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • Xerxes I is a central figure in the historical accounts of Herodotus.
  • The invasion led by Xerxes I was repelled at the battles of Salamis and Plataea.
  • Many films and novels have depicted the life and campaigns of Xerxes I.

Advanced Usage

• "The reign of Xerxes I": This phrase refers to the period of his rule and its events.
  • The reign of Xerxes I saw both great military campaigns and major construction projects at Persepolis.
• "The army of Xerxes I": Specifically denotes the vast multi-national force he assembled for the invasion of Greece.
  • The army of Xerxes I was said to have been so large it drank rivers dry.

Variants and Related Words

• Xerxes (Proper noun): A common shortened form used to refer to Xerxes I, though it can also refer to later kings of the same name.
• Achaemenid (Adjective): Relating to the Persian dynasty founded by Cyrus the Great, to which Xerxes I belonged.
  • The Achaemenid Empire reached its territorial zenith under Darius I and Xerxes I.
• King of Kings (Noun): The traditional title for Achaemenid Persian monarchs, including Xerxes I.

Synonyms

• Xerxes the Great (Proper noun): An epithet highlighting the scale of his empire and ambitions.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• The Second Persian Invasion of Greece: The military campaign commanded by Xerxes I (480-479 BC).
• The Battle of Thermopylae: A famous battle during his invasion where a small Greek force led by Spartans delayed his army.
• The Battle of Salamis: The pivotal naval battle where the Greek fleet defeated Xerxes I's navy.

Noun

1. king of Persia who led a vast army against Greece and won the battle of Thermopylae but was eventually defeated (519-465 BC)