The Achaemenids led by Xerxes are a custom civilization by RawSasquatch, with contributions from DarthKyofu, Porkbean, and Zharques.
Overview[]
The Achaemenids[]
The term "Persia" derives from a region in southern Iran formerly known as "Persis;" it is commonly used to describe areas where the Persian language and customs predominated. There have been a series of "Persian Empires" throughout history; in this article we are specifically examining the Achaemenid dynasty, which began in 559 BC and ended some two centuries later under the onslaught of the Greek military genius Alexander the Great. According to legend, King Cyaxares gave Persia to his vassal Cambyses I. Cambyses I passed the crown to his son, Cyrus II, who solidified his political position by marrying the Median King Astyages' daughter. Despite his royal connection Cyrus was not satisfied with his subordinate position, and after allying with nearby Babylon, he rebelled against the Medes. By 550 BC the Persians had emerged victorious and the Medes were no more.
Xerxes[]
Xerxes I, or Xerxes the Great, was the King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire from 486 BC until his assassination in 465 BC, succeeding his father, Darius I the Great. Xerxes was designated successor by Darius over his elder brother Artobazan and inherited a large, multi-ethnic empire upon his father's death. He consolidated his power by crushing revolts in Egypt and Babylon, and renewed his father's campaign to subjugate Greece and punish Athens and its allies for their interference in the Ionian Revolt. In 480 BC, Xerxes personally led a large army and crossed the Hellespont into Europe, achieving victories at Thermopylae and Artemisium before capturing and razing Athens. His forces gained control of mainland Greece north of the Isthmus of Corinth until their defeat at the Battle of Salamis. Fearing that the Greeks might trap him in Europe, Xerxes retreated with the greater part of his army back to Asia. After returning to Persia, Xerxes dedicated himself to large-scale construction projects, many of which had been left unfinished by his father. He oversaw the completion of the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana and the Tachara at Persepolis, and continued the construction of the Palace of Darius at Susa. He also maintained the Royal Road built by his father. In 465 BC, Xerxes was assassinated, and succeeded by his third son, Artaxerxes I.
Dawn of Man[]
Art by RawSasquatch
Praise be upon you, Xerxes the Great, King of Kings of the Achaemenid Empire. Inheriting your father Darius' empire, you sought to continue his work. After putting down rebellions, mainly in Babylon, you sought to finish what your father started - conquer Greece, punishing them for interfering in your empire's affairs. You marched across the Hellespont, punishing the sea after the failure of your first attempt. You achieved magnificent victories at at Thermopylae and Artemisium, and razed the cultural capital of Greece, Athens. Despite your majestic victories, you were defeated navally at the Battle of Salamis, leading to a stalemate, with the fear you would be trapped in Europe. Having taught the Greeks their lesson, you completed the other part of your father's legacy, finishing the huge construction projects such as the Gate of All Nations and Palace of Darius. A worthy son, your name was etched in fear by the Greeks and Romans for years to come.
Oh magnanimous Xerxes, you must once again turn to war. Let the fire of conquest burn through you, and grasp what belongs, rightfully, to your glory. Can you leave all those who oppose your power in tatters? Will you build a civilization that can stand the test of time?
Introduction: Welcome to Persia. I am Xerxes, king of Media, Elam, Arachosia, Armenia, Drangiana, Parthia, Aria, Bactria, Sogdiana, Chorasmia, Babylonia, Assyria, Sattagydia, Sardis, Egypt, Ionians, those who dwell by the sea and those who dwell across the sea, men of Maka, Arabia, Gandara, Sind, Cappadocia, Dahae, Amyrgian Scythians, Pointed-Cap Scythians, Skudra, men of Akaufaka, Libyans, Carians, Ethiopians.
Defeat: By the favor of Ahuramazda, I shall return to wreak vengeance upon you.
Unique Attributes[]
The Achaemenids (Xerxes)
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 Art by RawSasquatch Range and |
  Art by RawSasquatch
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  Art by RawSasquatch
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City List
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Spy List
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Music[]
| Peace Theme | War Theme |
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| "Persia - Antiquity Civ Theme" by Geoff Knorr from the Civilization VII OST | Achaemenids Theme from Age of Empires II: DE - Chronicles: Battle For Greece OST |
Mod Support[]
| Mod Support | |
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Additional Achievements
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Unknown |
| No | |
| Yes | |
| No | |
Ethnic Units/R.E.D.
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No |
| No | |
| No | |
Map Labels
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Yes |
| No | |
Unique Cultural Influence
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Yes |
YnAEMP
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Yes |
Unique Cultural Influence[]
Our people are now and fettering the sea and building bridges between continents. I worry the rest of the world will succumb to the influence of your culture.
Full Credits List[]
| Steam Workshop | |
| Latest Version: | v 2 |
| Last Updated: | January 2025 |
- RawSasquatch: Author
- DarthKyofu: Artwork (Civilization Icon)
- Porkbean: Code
- Zharques: Text