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What historical event does Purim commemorate?

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Circular diagram of the Jewish religious year showing Hebrew months around the outer ring and Gregorian months inside, with major holidays and fasts such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover, and Purim labeled with their dates. — Jewish religious year The months and holidays of the Jewish religious year.

Purim commemorates the survival of the Jews who were threatened with annihilation in Persia during the 5th century BCE, as recounted in the Book of Esther.1

According to the narrative, the king’s chief minister, Haman, plotted to destroy the Jewish population and cast lots—known as purim—to determine the date for the massacre. The plan was thwarted by Esther, the Jewish queen of King Ahasuerus, and her cousin Mordecai. Ultimately, Haman was executed, and the Jews were granted the right to defend themselves against their enemies.23

While the festival is an integral part of the Jewish religious year, scholars note that the historical reality of these events remains unclear and that the biblical account is often considered legendary.23