Download Describe Xerxes` relationship with Persians and

Describe Xerxes’ relationship with Persians and non-Persians. (10 marks)
Like his predecessors, Xerxes pursued a policy of tolerance within the empire. As part of
this, he incorporated local leaders into the Persian administrative structure. Maintenance of
good relations with the empire’s elites – both Persian and non-Persian – was essential to his
system of control.
Xerxes primarily relied for support on his family and other members of the nobility – men
who had served his father Darius. These men served as courtiers, satraps and military
commanders. Many of them were members of Xerxes’ inner circle, known as ‘the king’s
friends and benefactors’. This group also had non-Persians members – people from different
parts of the empire with expertise Xerxes valued. Among these were some very prominent
Greeks. Xerxes rewarded these men with land, clothing, jewellery and government
positions. Promotion was by merit, not by birth, ensuring that the Persian Empire was run
efficiently.
Among the king’s key Persian advisers were Artabanus and Mardonius.
Artabanus was Xerxes’ uncle, and commander of the palace guard. According to
Herodotus, he had tried to dissuade Xerxes from invading Greece – without success,
unfortunately. He was later involved in the plot to kill Xerxes.
Mardonius was Xerxes’ brother-in-law, and his key general during the Greek invasion.
Herodotus tells us that it was Mardonius who persuaded Xerxes to go ahead with the Greek
invasion, arguing that Athens needed to be punished for Darius’ 490 defeat.
Two prominent non-Persians who served as advisers to Xerxes were Demaratus and
Themistocles. Demaratus was the exiled king of Sparta. He accompanied Xerxes on his
invasion of Greece, advising him on local conditions. Themistocles was the former Athenian
general and hero of Salamis. Having been ostracised from Athens, he offered his services to
Xerxes in the latter part of the king’s reign. Xerxes held him in such high regard that he
granted him an estate. His son, Artaxerxes, made him governor of Magnesia.
Even so, while Xerxes could be generous to his underlings, he could also be ruthless if they
disobeyed him. This is seen in his treatment of Pythius, the grandson of the last king of
Lydia. According to Herodotus, Xerxes encountered him on the way to Greece and offered
to do him a favour. Pythius requested that his eldest son to be excused from military
service. Xerxes reacted furiously, having the son cut in two and placed on the side of the
road so his soldiers could see the body as they marched past. This was to serve as a warning
to anyone whose loyalty was not absolute.