Topic > Themes in Herodotus - 732

Another way one can understand arrogance is to see acts of arrogance as transgressions punishable by the gods. In this case, Xerxes committed an act that could be seen as a transgression. Once he learned that the king and commander of the Spartans was none other than Leonidas, Xerxes, filled with anger, called for the mutilation and crucifixion of King Leonidas. In doing so, Xerxes disrespected the customs and religion of a nation (7.238). Furthermore, Xerxes' arrogance spread to his Persian subordinates who sacked a temple and set fire to the entire Acropolis (8:53-54). The gods typically punish a sign of arrogance directly or indirectly, and a divine wind punishes Xerxes and his forces by annihilating much of his fleet off Sarpeis (7.189-191). Ultimately Xerxes' arrogance led the Persian empire to destruction because he campaigned to extend the reach of his power and failed to heed advice just like the king.