Histories · Character

Xerxes

Darius's son by the powerful Atossa, who inherited the throne and was persuaded by his cousin Mardonios to avenge Persia's honor against Athens.

major

Also known as King Xerxes, king Xerxes

First appearance: Book VII: Polymnia

As a major figure in Histories, Xerxes is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Darius' successor who vows vengeance against the Athenians after learning of the Ionian Revolt.

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Xerxes becomes king not through seniority but through his mother Atossa's influence and the timely counsel of the exiled Spartan king Demaratos. Initially reluctant to march against Hellas, he is swayed by Mardonios, who dangles visions of Europe's fertile lands and the glory of punishing Athens. His decision to invade Greece becomes the central catastrophe of the Histories, a vast expedition that will test whether Persian power can overwhelm Greek freedom.

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See Xerxes in Book VII: Polymnia

Character Web

35 connections

A slice of how Xerxes sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional

Character groups

Kings and commanders of the Greco-Persian Wars
Protagonist

+30 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

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Relationships

Cambyses
family · ambivalent
Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later… How this plays out →
Cyrus
family · positive
Mardonios
professional · positive
Demaratos
professional · ambivalent
Darius
family · positive
Cambyses
family · ambivalent
Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later… How this plays out →
Demaratos
professional · ambivalent
Cyrus
family · positive
Darius
family · positive
Mardonios
professional · positive

Cambyses
Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later Persian king.
Cyrus
Xerxes is the grandson of Cyrus, continuing the Achaemenid dynasty's legacy.
Mardonios
Mardonios is a trusted general and advisor to Xerxes, leading major military expeditions.
Demaratos
Demaratos, a deposed Spartan king, serves as an advisor to Xerxes during the Persian invasion of Greece.
Darius
Xerxes is the son and chosen successor of Darius, inheriting the Persian throne.
Cambyses
Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later Persian king.
Demaratos
Demaratos, a deposed Spartan king, serves as an advisor to Xerxes during the Persian invasion of Greece.
Cyrus
Xerxes is the grandson of Cyrus, continuing the Achaemenid dynasty's legacy.
Darius
Xerxes is the son and chosen successor of Darius, inheriting the Persian throne.
Mardonios
Mardonios is a trusted general and advisor to Xerxes, leading major military expeditions.

Relationship notes

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See Xerxes in Book VII: Polymnia

In the story

Xerxes appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book V: Terpsichore
Darius' successor who vows vengeance against the Athenians after learning of the Ionian Revolt.
Book VII: Polymnia
Xerxes, son of Darius and Atossa, is designated king after a succession dispute, then decides to invade Greece, bridges the Hellespont, and leads the army into Europe.
Book VIII: Urania
Xerxes observes the battle from shore, praises Artemisia, and after the defeat seeks her counsel. He is terrified and decides to retreat, leaving Mardonios behind.
Book IX: Calliope
Mentioned as having been escorted in flight by Thorax of Larissa; Mardonios intends to signal to him via beacon-fires.
Endnotes
Mentioned in a note about his invasion plans and the size of his army.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Xerxes unlock in the free preview.

See Xerxes in Book VII: Polymnia

See Xerxes in Book V: Terpsichore