Xerxes

by Jacob Abbott

Overview

Delve into the heart of the Persian Empire with Jacob Abbott's "Xerxes," a compelling historical biography from the "Makers of History" series. Explore the life and reign of Xerxes I, a pivotal figure in ancient Persia's Achaemenid dynasty. This meticulously researched account illuminates the world of ancient Iran, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of leadership, empire building, and the sweep of history. Discover the fascinating story of Xerxes and his place in the grand narrative of the ancient world. A timeless exploration of a powerful ruler and his era, "Xerxes" remains an essential read for anyone interested in ancient history and the enduring legacy of the Persian Empire.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781023079235
Publisher:	Anson Street Press
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.38(d)

Read an Excerpt

Counselors of Xerxes. Age and character of Mardonius. Chapter III. Debate On The Proposed Invasion Of Greece. THE two great counselors on whose judgment Xerxes mainly relied, so far as he looked to any other judgment than his own in the formation of his plans, were Artabanus, the uncle by whose decision the throne had been awarded to him, and Mardonius, the command- er-in-chief of his armies. Xerxes himself was quite a young man, of a proud and lofty, yet generous character, and full of self-confidence and hope. Mardonius was much older, but he was a soldier by profession, and was eager to distinguish himself in some great military campaign. It has always been unfortunate for the peace and happiness of mankind, under all monarchical and despotic governments, in every age of the world, that, through some depraved and unaccountable perversion of public sentiment, those who are not born to greatness have had no means of attaining to it except as heroes in war. Many men have, indeed, by their men- The avenues to renown. Blood inherited and blood shed. tal powers or their moral excellences, acquired an extended and lasting posthumous fame ; but in respect to all immediate and exalted distinction and honor, it will be found, on reviewing the history of the human race, that there have generally been but two possible avenues to them: on the one hand, high birth, and on the other, the performance of great deeds of carnage and destruction. There must be, it seems, as the only valid claim to renown, either blood inherited or blood shed. The glory of the latter is second, indeed, to that of the former, but it is only second. He who has sacked a city stands very high in the estimation ofhis fellows. He yields precedence only to him whose grandfather sacked one. This state of...