Statue of Empress Atossa (550–475 BC), who was the daughter of Cyrus the Great, wife of Darius the Great, and mother of Xerxes the Great, making her connected to the entire Achaemenid dynasty. The lapis lazuli statue was discovered in Persepolis, and is housed at National Museum of Iran. [6000×4000]
by Party_Judgment5780
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Atossa was one of the most powerful and influential women of the Achaemenid Empire, with her influence extended beyond military strategy into succession politics. In 487 BC, she secured Darius’ support for her son’s succession, Xerxes, even though he was not the eldest of Darius’ sons. Using her lineage as the daughter of Cyrus, Atossa skillfully ensured her son’s rise to the throne. Many stories and legends are told about her powers and influences.
More info:
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atossa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atossa)
“Well, they got the hat right, at least.”