Xerxes: The Conquering Persian King Who Thrust Dagger-Deep into Greece
As Persian kings go, few loom as large as Xerxes I, also known as Xerxes the Great. Ascending the throne in 486 BCE upon the death of his father Darius I, Xerxes spent the first half of his reign completing unsuccessful military campaigns against Greece. Despite early humiliations, this ambitious ruler presided over the apex […]
Xenophontos Monastery: Spiritual Haven on Mount Athos
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Mount Athos, the Xenophontos Monastery stands as a beacon of Orthodox Christian monasticism. Renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance, this monastery has been a place of prayer and contemplation for centuries. The Xenophontos Monastery, deeply rooted in the Byzantine tradition, offers a unique glimpse into the ascetic […]
Ximenes of Cisneros, Cardinal
Ximenes of Cisneros, born Gonzalo Jiménez de Cisneros in 1436 and passing in 1517, remains a pivotal figure in Spanish history. Esteemed as a cardinal and statesman, his influence profoundly shaped the Spanish Inquisition and the founding of the University of Alcalá. His complex legacy intertwines ecclesiastical dedication with political acumen, marking him as a […]