XERXES' FAMOUS RIGHT HAND ON DISPLAY AT NEW WEBSITE

Xerxes2144 (xerxes2144@aol.com)
6 Jul 1996 23:12:29 -0400

THE FAMOUS HAND XERXES AND ARTAXERXES LONGIMANUS

-- Now on Display --

The famous relief showing Darius I, followed by his son
and co-ruler Xerxes who later faked his death and claimed
to be his own son, Artaxerxes I, is now on display at my
website!!! (finally...)

It's a rather crude display, but my Web-pertise is quite
limited. The GIF of Xerxes, Darius and Nehemiah, though
is sensational! So.... check out the famous hand!

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, in
brief: Everybody thinks that Xerxes and Artaxerxes were
two different kings even though the Bible plainly
indicates they were the same king. So a lot of time and
research went into attempting to resolve this issue.
That research is now complete and one of the more
interesting findings was this fabulous relief where
Xerxes has his hand turned vertically, clearly displaying
it for the world to see. This is significant because all
the faces of Xerxes and Artaxerxes were chiseled off
purposely to prevent any casual comparisons (both kings
are represented in the reliefs at PERSEPOLIS).

But it was Artaxerxes who had the unusual right hand,
because of which he was dubbed "Artaxerxes, Longimanus"
which means "long-hand." It was longer than his left.
Thus it is quite interesting that you find Xerxes with
his right hand clearly on display in this relief (and in
another that shows the palm side of his hand). So this
relief is some of the more dramatic direct archaeological
PROOF that links these two kings as being the same.

Besides that, this relief also shows Biblical Nehemiah
was the chief cupbearer during the co-rulership with
Darius-Xerxes which is supported by the Bible which dates
both Ezra and Nehemiah among the original returnees from
Babylon in the first year of Cyrus.

It is believed by the researchers that even though there
is lots of other proof and details available, most people
will find it hard to believe that Xerxes' hand is here on
display just coincidentally in this rather vague gesture
behind the throne of Darius I. You'll see what I mean
when you check out the relief. A brief history is also
included along the graphic.

So this is your chance to become an "armchair
archaeologist" for the day! Check out the famous hand of
Artaxerxes, Longimanus and make up your own mind...

Just go to URL:

http://users.aol.com/xerxes2144/xerxes2.htm

Submitted by

Xerxes2144@aol.com