King Xerxes I was a ruler of the ancient Persian Empire, reigning from 486 to 465 BCE. He is best known for his massive invasion of Greece, which included the famous battles of Thermopylae and Salamis. Xerxes was the son of Darius I and continued his father's efforts to expand the empire. Xerxes I is often depicted as a powerful but sometimes impulsive leader. His reign saw the construction of impressive structures, including the grand palace at Persepolis. Despite his military ambitions, his campaigns ultimately faced significant setbacks, leading to a decline in Persian dominance in the region.