Question

Which act of defiance of athens and sparta did xerxes desire to avenge?

Answer 1

He was the son of Darius the Great (550-486 BCE) who, in an effort to punish Athens for their support of the Ionian colonies' revolt against Persian rule, had invaded Greece in 492 BCE.

Answer 2

Athens and Sparta flung the heralds in the Deep pitts bidding them to take Earth and water from there and carry it to the great king. when Xerxes² ascended the throne of Persia he was determined to avenge this act of defiance. Athens and Sparta where doomed in his minds to be swept from the face of Earth.