Why did Xerxes want to conquer Greece?
1. To increase his county's wealth
2. To win glory
3. For revenge
4. All of the these
To determine why Xerxes wanted to conquer Greece, we can explore historical sources and accounts. Xerxes I, the fourth king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, had several motivations for his invasion of Greece:
1. To increase his country's wealth: The Persian Empire was known for its vast territory and immense wealth, including valuable resources and tribute from conquered territories. Conquering Greece, which was known for its prosperous city-states, could have brought additional riches and resources to the Persian Empire.
2. To win glory: Conquests and the expansion of empires were often seen as sources of prestige and honor. By conquering Greece, Xerxes could have cemented his reputation as a powerful ruler and enhanced his standing among other empires and nations.
3. For revenge: Xerxes' invasion of Greece is often seen as a response to the Athenian support for the Greek city-states that had previously revolted against Persian rule. The Athenians aided the city of Ionia in its rebellion, which had been under Persian control. Xerxes may have sought revenge for this defiance and aimed to demonstrate his power and dominance by subjugating Greece.
Considering these motives, the answer to your question would be "4. All of these." Xerxes likely desired both material wealth, personal glory, and revenge when planning and executing his conquest of Greece.