King Xerxes Banquets

We begin this series on Esther looking at the height, wealth and glory of the Medo/Persian empire. King Ahasuerus, better known by his Greek name Xerxes, was a powerful king who reigned from India to Ethiopia. This passage describes three special banquets that took place in Susa, his capital: first, because of his widespread reign, Ahasuerus gave BANQUET #1 for all of his political leaders, and he did so while ruling from his royal throne; second, after an exposition to show off his royal riches & majestic splendor, (for 180 days), Ahasuerus gave BANQUET #2 for everyone who was present in Susa - it lasted seven days with an extravagant display of his magnificent furnishings; third, Queen Vashti also was allowed to give BANQUET #3, a feast for the females of his palace, in a separate part of the King's enormous facility.