'Xerxes, Makers of History' Summary

The book follows Xerxes' journey from his ascension to the Persian throne to his ultimate defeat at the hands of the Greeks. Abbott vividly portrays the grandeur and might of the Persian Empire, highlighting Xerxes' ambition to expand his dominion and conquer all of Greece. The narrative covers the intricate political machinations within the empire, the cultural differences between Persia and Greece, and the brutal realities of ancient warfare. The book delves into the epic battles of Thermopylae and Salamis, where the valiant Spartans, led by Leonidas, and the Athenian fleet, under Themistocles, stood against the seemingly unstoppable Persian force. 'Xerxes, Makers of History' offers a captivating account of a pivotal period in ancient history, highlighting the clash of civilizations and the profound consequences of Xerxes' ambition.