Artapanus was a Persian General under Xerxes I. According to Ctesias' Persica, Artapanus led the first wave of Persians against the Spartan force at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. Although he led a force of 10,000 men, they were routed by the 300 Spartan defenders.^[1] For information about all peoples of Iran, see Demographics of Iran; for Central Asian Persians, see Tajiks. ... This does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Xerxes the Great (Persian: خشایارشا, Khšāyāršā, Old Persian: Xšayāršā) was a Persian Emperor (Shahanshah) (reigned 485–465 BCE) of the Achaemenid Dynasty. ... Ctesias of Cnidus (in Caria) (Greek ), was a Greek physician and historian, who flourished in the 5th century BC. In early life he was physician to Artaxerxes Mnemon, whom he accompanied in 401 BC on his expedition against his brother Cyrus the Younger. ... Sparta (Doric: Spártā, Attic: Spártē) is a city in southern Greece. ... Combatants Greek city-states Achaemenid Persia Commanders Leonidas I † Xerxes the Great Strength 300 Spartans 900 Helots[1] 700 Thespians 400 Thebans[1] 5,000 other Greek allies1 Estimates vary (See below) Casualties 300 Spartans 900 Helots[1] 700 Thespians 400 Thebans[1] 1,400 Greek allies 20,000 (Modern... Events King Xerxes I of Persia sets out to conquer Greece. ...

Artapanus is not mentioned by name in Herodotus' history of the battle.^[2] This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

References

1. ^ Ctesias. Persica, Book 2, Section 27. 
2. ^ Herodotus. Histories, Book VII.