Xerxes I

Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was the fifth king of the Achaemenid Empire, ruling from -486 to -465 BCE. Born to King Darius I and Queen Atossa, daughter of Cyrus the Great, Xerxes inherited the largest empire the world had yet seen. Despite not being the eldest son, he was chosen as heir due to his mother's royal lineage and his father's preference. His reign is most famous for the massive invasion of Greece in -480 BCE, which despite initial successes, ultimately ended in failure. Xerxes completed many of his father's construction projects, including parts of Persepolis, and maintained the sophisticated administrative system of the Persian Empire. He was known for his lavish lifestyle and complex court ceremonies. His death came through assassination in -465 BCE, when he was murdered by his courtier Artabanus in a palace conspiracy.