Born around 519 BC to Darius the Great and Atossa, Xerxes spent his formative years amid opulent Persian royal courts. As a prince, he was exposed to critical governmental decisions and the administration of an extensive empire. His mother, a daughter of Cyrus the Great, played an instrumental role in shaping the young prince’s worldview, imbuing him with a sense of destiny and compelling him to aspire to greatness.
In these formative years, Xerxes was educated under the finest Persian tutors, learning subjects such as military strategy, history, and diplomacy. Ascending the throne in 486 BC, it became clear that these skills had profound impacts on his governing style.
Primogeniture was not a mandate for ascension in Persia, testament to Xerxes’ extraordinary capabilities identified by his father. Even though Artobazan, his elder half-brother, had a legitimate claim to the throne, Darius chose Xerxes for his greater capacity to rule, a testament to his honed abilities.
Frequent interactions with various cultures within the Achaemenid Empire shaped Xerxes’ pluralistic outlook and he was capable of speaking multiple languages due to the diverse ethnic landscape of the empire. This background profoundly influenced his later approach to governance, cultivating an understanding and adaptability that became apparent in his rule.
#1. Question text: When was Xerxes born?
B is the answer. The text states that Xerxes was born around 519 BC.
#2. Question text: Who was Xerxes' mother?
A is the answer. The text indicates that Xerxes’ mother was a daughter of Cyrus the Great.
#3. Question Text: When did Xerxes ascend to the throne?
A is the answer. The text states that Xerxes ascended the throne in 486 BC.
#4. Question text: Who was Xerxes' father?
B is the answer. The text mentions that Xerxes was born to Darius the Great and Atossa.
#5. Question text: Why was Xerxes chosen to ascend the throne instead of his elder half-brother, Artobazan?
B is the answer. According to the text, Xerxes was chosen over Artobazan because of his greater capacity to rule.
#6. Question text: What helped shape Xerxes' pluralistic outlook?
C is the answer. The text mentions that Xerxes’ frequent interactions with various cultures within the Achaemenid Empire shaped his pluralistic outlook.
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