Xerxes influence on the 2nd Persian Wars can be categorized into three areas; What provoked him to begin the invasion, the preparation as well as the leadership throughout the campaign. It must also be deduced how these factors effected the wars outcome.

Xerxes decision to begin a campaign against Greece was provoked by a number of factors. These included his responsibility as king, revenge against Greece, power combined with the influences of others.

Xerxes responsibility as king encouraged him to expand the

Another motivation for Xerxes was power. He must have recognized Greece as a perfect outpost for further expansion. According to Aeschylus “Athens once conquered, he (Xerxes) is the master of all Hellas”.

The influences of others also played a role in inspiring Xerxes to invade Greece. The strongest influence on Xerxes was undoubtedly his cousin Mardonius. Mardonius wished to become governor of Greece and so set about encouraging the campaign. Herodotus states that Xerxes “allowed himself to be persuaded to undertake the invasion of Greece”.

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