The Near East - Xerxes

Option E The Near East: Xerxes

Principal Focus:

Students gain an understanding of Xerxes in the context of his time.

Students learn about:

1 Historical context

– geography, topography and resources of the Persian empire

– overview of Persian political, social and military structures

– expansion of the Persian empire

– overview of religion in the Persian empire

– Persian concept of kingship

2 Background and rise to prominence

– family background and status

– succession to kingship

3 Career

– administration of the Persian empire

– revolts in the empire: Egypt, Babylon

– religious policy

– building program: Persepolis

– images and representations of Xerxes as king

– foreign policy: role in invasion of the Greek mainland

– relationship with prominent Persians and non-Persians

– manner and impact of his death

4 Evaluation

– impact and influence on his time

– assessment of his life and reign

– legacy

– ancient and modern images and interpretations of Xerxes.