- Control of Greece: Xerxes' primary goal is to conquer Greece and add it to his Persian Empire. This would give him a strategic foothold in Europe and access to the Aegean Sea, which would allow him to expand his empire further.
- Glory and prestige: A successful invasion of Greece would bring Xerxes great glory and prestige, both in his own empire and among other nations. This would increase his power and authority, and make it more difficult for his enemies to challenge him.
- Resources: Greece was a wealthy and prosperous region, with a well-developed economy and a highly skilled population. Conquering Greece would give Xerxes access to these resources, which he could use to further strengthen his empire.
- A deterrent to future attacks: By successfully invading Greece, Xerxes would send a message to other nations that they should not challenge his power. This would deter potential enemies from attacking Persia, and help to maintain the stability of his empire.