Philosophy will partly develop. Nowadays, a sophist is a "person using sophisms, arguments or specious reasoning to deceive or create an illusion". <hr>
       Xerxes I is a high Persian king, a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, who ruled from 486 to 465. He initiated a war to invade Greece, advancing as far as Athens before being repelled.<hr>
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                        Second speech - Mariamne to Herod<hr>
                                         Mariamne, queen of Judea<hr>
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                                                  Context<hr>
       Few are ignorant of Herod's accusation and execution of his wife, but not all know of her plea for her defence. Among the two historians who have spoken of her, one was detached from her time and the other was a flatterer of her husband. Thus, it falls to us to seek the truth between one's ignorance and the other's interests. For my part, I confess I side with Mariamne, be it out of pity or reason. Whether her beauty dazzles me or her innocence illuminates me, I cannot believe that a princess of the glorious and generous blood of the Maccabees tarnished her reputation. I prefer to believe that Herod remained Herod, i.e., unfair and bloodthirsty. Here then is the defence of this beautiful unfortunate, which will carry more weight in her own words than in mine. Listen to her speak and notice in her pride the true character and temperament of Mariamne.<hr>
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                                       Mariamne to Herod<hr>
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       Today I speak unafraid of death and devoid of a desire for life. Even though I'm sure that fame would do me justice after my disappearance, I defend myself against my accusers and enemies. I regard my last day as the first of my happiness and I steadfastly await the hour of my trial, hoping to unnerve those who persecute me. But since my reputation is as much under attack as my life, it would be cowardly to endure defamation without retaliation. Innocence and glory are so precious that everything should be done to preserve them. So, allow me, lord, if Hyrcan's granddaughter may address you thus, to remind you of who you are and who I am. By comparing my past deeds with the charges against me, you will be prepared to receive the truths I am about to reveal to you. It is certain you have not forgotten that I come from this prestigious lineage that, for centuries, has provided kings to Judea. All my predecessors legitimately held the sceptre you now hold. By the right of their birth, they held<hr>
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