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How did Herodotus describe Xerxesâ march from Sardis to the Hellespont?
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Herodotus
Herodotus, detail of a Roman herm probably copied from a Greek original of the first half of the 4th century bce; in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples.
In his History, Herodotus uses the westward march of Xerxesâ army from Sardis to the Hellespont as a narrative bridge between his description of the Persian Empire and his account of the Greco-Persian Wars.1
Herodotus characterizes this march through several thematic layers:
- Characterization of Xerxes: He begins with anecdotes illustrating the Persian kingâs arrogance, petulance, and autocratic cruelty.1
- Military Display: He provides a detailed description of the various military contingents marching as if on parade, emphasizing the immense scale of the force.1
- Enumeration of Forces: He concludes the account with a comprehensive enumeration of the diverse national and racial elements that composed the vast invasion force.1
This detailed portrayal serves to highlight the sheer size and polyglot nature of the Persian military, contrasting it with the political divisions of the Greek city-states.1