# Xerxes — Histories character guide

> Xerxes in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** King Xerxes, king Xerxes

**First appearance:** 0008-book-vii-polymnia

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Cambyses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cambyses)

_family_

Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later Persian king.

### [Cyrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cyrus)

_family_

Xerxes is the grandson of Cyrus, continuing the Achaemenid dynasty's legacy.

### [Mardonios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/mardonios)

_professional_

Mardonios is a trusted general and advisor to Xerxes, leading major military expeditions.

### [Demaratos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/demaratos)

_professional_

Demaratos, a deposed Spartan king, serves as an advisor to Xerxes during the Persian invasion of Greece.

### [Darius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/darius)

_family_

Xerxes is the son and chosen successor of Darius, inheriting the Persian throne.

### [Cambyses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cambyses)

_family_

Xerxes is the son of Darius, not Cambyses, but is often compared to Cambyses as a later Persian king.

### [Demaratos](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/demaratos)

_professional_

Demaratos, a deposed Spartan king, serves as an advisor to Xerxes during the Persian invasion of Greece.

### [Cyrus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/cyrus)

_family_

Xerxes is the grandson of Cyrus, continuing the Achaemenid dynasty's legacy.

### [Darius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/darius)

_family_

Xerxes is the son and chosen successor of Darius, inheriting the Persian throne.

### [Mardonios](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/mardonios)

_professional_

Mardonios is a trusted general and advisor to Xerxes, leading major military expeditions.

## In the story

### [Book V: Terpsichore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-v-terpsichore)

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

### [Book VII: Polymnia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/book-ix-calliope)

Mentioned as having been escorted in flight by Thorax of Larissa; Mardonios intends to signal to him via beacon-fires.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/chapters/endnotes)

Mentioned in a note about his invasion plans and the size of his army.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/xerxes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters