How did Darius I’s death affect Persia’s plans to conquer Greece?
Darius I’s death in 486 BCE interrupted the Persian plans to conquer Greece, which had been in development following the defeat at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE.1
The transition of power to his son, Xerxes I, caused further delays as the new king had to address internal instability within the empire. Specifically, Xerxes was forced to suppress a serious revolt in Egypt in 484 BCE and a subsequent major uprising in Babylonia around 482 BCE.23
These domestic challenges required Xerxes to divert his attention and resources away from the western front. It was only after reestablishing tranquility within the empire that Xerxes, pressured by his entourage and advisors like Mardonius, resumed the massive, coordinated military preparations for the invasion of Greece, which ultimately took three years to complete.23