Xerxes

Character Xerxes 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. Darius was an active emperor, busy with building programs in [|Persepolis], [|Susa], [|Egypt], and elsewhere. Toward the end of his reign he moved to punish Athens, but a new revolt in Egypt (probably led by the Persian satrap) had to be suppressed. Under Persian law, the Achaemenian kings were required to choose a successor before setting out on such serious expeditions. Upon his great decision to leave (487-486 BC), Darius prepared his tomb at [|Naqsh-e Rostam] and appointed Xerxes, his eldest son by Atossa, as his successor. Darius' failing health then prevented him from leading the campaigns, and he died in October 486 BC.

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soldier general emperor