Rugged Characterization
In a dramatic twist of ancient narratives, the Persian Emperor Xerxes experienced an early blow to his reputation in 472 BCE. This came in the wake of his crushing defeat at the naval Battle of Salamis. Renowned Greek dramatist Aeschylus seized the artistic reins to immortalize Xerxes’ downfall on stage, framing it as a divine retribution for the monarch’s excessive pride.
In the gripping scenes of Aeschylus’ theatrical masterpiece, a crestfallen Xerxes is depicted making a shamed journey back to Persia, where he faces the daunting task of confessing his blunders to his mother in a deeply humbling reckoning. While historical accuracy may not have been the play’s strong suit, Aeschylus’ rendition resonated widely, shaping the collective memory of an era and casting Xerxes’ legacy in a light of ignominy..