King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)

King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, was an ancient Persian king who ruled from 486 to 465 BCE. He led the Persian Empire at its height, overseeing a vast territory across Asia and into parts of Europe and Africa. Known for his massive building projects and military campaigns, including efforts to expand the empire, Xerxes is also a central figure in the biblical Book of Esther. His reign was marked by both great ambition and significant challenges, reflecting the complexity of managing a diverse and extensive empire in the ancient world.