# Xerxes I

> The fifth Achaemenid emperor (486–465 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q129165](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q129165)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerxes_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xerxes-i

## Summary

Xerxes I was born on January 1, 1 BC in Iran. He held citizenship in the Achaemenid Empire and practiced Zoroastrianism. He was married to Amestris.He served as King of Kings and pharaoh from 486 BC until 465 BC. He died in 465 BC in Persis[1] and was buried in Iran.

## Summary
Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great, was the fifth Achaemenid emperor who ruled from 486 to 465 BC. As a statesperson and leader of the Iranian (Persian) empire, he is historically recognized for his reign during the Achaemenid period. He held the title of God King and was succeeded by Artaxerxes I.

## Biography
- Nationality: Iranian (Persian)
- Known for: Serving as the fifth Achaemenid emperor
- Field(s): Government, Statesperson

## Contributions
- **Xerxes Canal:** Led the construction of an ancient canal cutting through the Athos peninsula, with the project inception dating to 480 BC.
- **Imperial Leadership:** Ruled the Achaemenid Empire during a significant period of its existence (550–330 BC), maintaining the structure of the Iranian (Persian) empire.

## FAQs
**Who succeeded Xerxes I as emperor?**
Artaxerxes I succeeded Xerxes I, becoming the sixth Achaemenid emperor and ruling from 475 to 424 BC.

**What are the alternate names for Xerxes I?**
Xerxes I is known by the aliases Xerxes the Great, God King, Xerxes, and Xerxes I of Persia.

**What engineering project is associated with Xerxes I?**
The Xerxes Canal, an ancient canal cutting the Athos peninsula, was initiated during his time in 480 BC.

**What operas are based on Xerxes I?**
Two major operas are based on his life: "Serse" by George Frideric Handel and "Xerse" by Francesco Cavalli.

**What archaeological artifacts are linked to Xerxes I?**
The "Jar of Xerxes I" is a notable archaeological discovery from 1857 that is associated with him.

## Why They Matter
Xerxes I matters as a central figure in the Achaemenid Empire, serving as its fifth emperor during a critical era from 486 to 465 BC. His leadership oversaw significant engineering endeavors, most notably the inception of the Xerxes Canal in 480 BC, which demonstrated the empire's capabilities. His legacy persists through cultural works, including operas by Handel and Cavalli, and through historical artifacts like the Jar of Xerxes I, ensuring his continued relevance in archaeology and the arts.

## Notable For
- Serving as the fifth Achaemenid emperor (486–465 BC).
- Holding the aliases "Xerxes the Great" and "God King."
- Commissioning the Xerxes Canal (inception 480 BC).
- Being the subject of the opera "Serse" by George Frideric Handel.
- Being the subject of the opera "Xerse" by Francesco Cavalli.
- Association with the "Jar of Xerxes I," an 1857 archaeological discovery.
- Possessing a high sitelink count of 90 across knowledge bases.

## Body
### Identity and Role
Xerxes I is classified as a human and a statesperson, holding high government offices. He is widely recognized by the aliases Xerxes the Great, God King, Xerxes, and Xerxes I of Persia. His primary identity is that of the fifth Achaemenid emperor, a role he occupied from 486 BC to 465 BC. He is a distinct entity within the extant species Homo sapiens.

### Reign and Succession
The reign of Xerxes I took place within the Achaemenid Empire, an Iranian (Persian) empire that existed from 550 BC to 330 BC. He served as the fifth ruler of this empire. His tenure was followed by that of Artaxerxes I, who is noted as the sixth Achaemenid emperor. Artaxerxes I ruled from 475 BC to 424 BC and is listed as the successor in the imperial line.

### Engineering and Infrastructure
Xerxes I is directly associated with the creation of the Xerxes Canal. This infrastructure project is described as an ancient canal cutting through the Athos peninsula. The inception of the canal is recorded as 480 BC. The project is geographically associated with the location identified by code Q41.

### Cultural and Archaeological Legacy
The influence of Xerxes I extends into the arts and sciences through various related entities. In the field of music, he is the subject of the opera "Serse" by George Frideric Handel and the opera "Xerse" by Francesco Cavalli. In the field of archaeology, the "Jar of Xerxes I" stands as a significant 1857 discovery, with the artifact associated with the location code . Additionally, the species of insect known as the Xerces blue is listed as a related entity, sharing a nomenclature connection to his name. His Wikipedia title is listed simply as Xerxes I, and he maintains a substantial digital footprint with a sitelink count of 90.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20090227150814/http://www.livius.org/x/xerxes/xerxes.html)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. BBC Things
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. Quora
10. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Xerxes_I-GZN43)