Assess the image of Xerxes throughout history

Assess the image of Xerxes throughout history

There have been many different images of Xerxes portrayed and perceived throughout history.   Traditionally, Xerxes has been depicted in a negative light, often shown as arrogant and weak.   However in recent times, there has been an attempt to balance his image and save him from historical bias.   This is hindered by the fact that there are few primary sources on Xerxes and the sources that remain are fragmentary or biased.

Persian sources include inscriptions and reliefs, many from Persepolis, yet reveal little from the Persian perspective.   The evidence from inscriptions is scarce and fragmentary, leaving it open to different interpretations.   There are few sources to counterbalance the Greek-based view that is overwhelmingly against the Persian king.   The largest influences on the historiography of Xerxes are the Greek sources of Herodotus’ The Histories and Aeschylus’ tragedy Persae.   Other sources make reference to Xerxes and include the Book of Esther in the Bible, Plutarch’s biography of Themistocles as well as Babylonian and Egyptian inscriptions.

Herodotus’ The Histories is the main source for Xerxes’ life although his account of Greek history has been criticised for its inaccuracy and bias.   Herodotus collected much of his evidence from repeated stories, allowing differing and biased views.   However, from his content it is evident he was able to talk to generals and political leaders as well as ordinary people who had first hand accounts of the Persian Wars.   Although the numbers of the military forces may be exaggerated, Herodotus seems to have had reliable Persian sources.

Herodotus’ image of Xerxes is varied, offering a complex and balanced view rather than just a negative depiction.   Granger argues that in the past, historians have misused Herodotus, exploiting parts of his account to illustrate the point that Xerxes was a coward and a victim of hubris.   On one hand, Xerxes is a rational man, considering the opinions of his advisors...