Xerxes I

Xerxes I was a Persian king who ruled from 486 to 465 BCE, known for his vast empire and attempts to expand it. He is primarily remembered for his invasion of Greece, including the famous battles of Thermopylae and Salamis during the Greco-Persian Wars. Xerxes aimed to avenge his father's defeat at Marathon but faced significant resistance from the Greek city-states. His reign saw impressive architectural projects, including the construction of the grand palace at Persepolis. While he expanded Persian influence, he ultimately met setbacks in Greece, contributing to the eventual decline of Persian power.