Editing Xerxes I (section)

==Construction projects==
[[File:Xerxes tomb at Naqsh-e Rostam (4615488322).jpg|thumb|right|The rock-cut tomb at [[Naqsh-e Rustam]] north of [[Persepolis]], copying that of [[Darius the Great|Darius]], is usually assumed to be that of Xerxes]]
After his military blunders in Greece, Xerxes returned to Persia and oversaw the completion of the many construction projects left unfinished by his father at [[Susa]] and [[Persepolis]]. He oversaw the building of the [[Gate of All Nations]] and the Hall of a Hundred Columns at Persepolis, which are the largest and most imposing structures of the palace. He oversaw the completion of the [[Apadana]], the [[Tachara]] (Palace of Darius) and the Treasury, all started by Darius, as well as having his own palace built which was twice the size of his father's. His taste in architecture was similar to that of Darius, though on an even more gigantic scale.<ref>Ghirshman, ''Iran'', p. 172</ref> He had colorful enameled brick laid on the exterior face of the [[Apadana]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fergusson|first1=James|title=A History of Architecture in All Countries, from the Earliest Times to the Present Day: 1. Ancient architecture. 2. Christian architecture. xxxi, 634 p. front., illus|pages=211}}</ref> He also maintained the [[Royal Road]] built by his father and completed the Susa Gate and built a [[Palace of Darius in Susa|palace in Susa]].<ref>Herodotus VII.11</ref>