Xerxes I was a king of the Persian Empire who ruled 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, but his campaign ultimately ended in defeat. Xerxes is often depicted in historical accounts as a powerful yet sometimes impulsive leader. His reign saw the construction of impressive structures, including the grand palace at Persepolis. Despite his military failures, Xerxes' legacy includes significant contributions to Persian culture and architecture.