<P> Assuming that Ahasuerus is indeed Xerxes I, the events described in Esther began around the years 483--482 BC, and concluded in March 473 BC . </P> <P> Classical sources such as Josephus, the Jewish commentary Esther Rabbah and the Christian theologian Bar - Hebraeus, as well as the Greek Septuagint translation of Esther, instead identify Ahasuerus as either Artaxerxes I (reigned 465 to 424 BC) or Artaxerxes II (reigned 404 to 358 BC). </P> <P> On his accession however Artaxerxes II lost Egypt to pharaoh Amyrtaeus, after which it wasn't part of the Persian empire anymore . In his Historia Scholastica Petrus Comestor identified Ahasuerus (Esther 1: 1) as Artaxerxes III (358--338 BC) who reconquered Egypt . </P> <P> The Book of Esther consists of an introduction (or exposition) in chapters 1 and 2; the main action (complication and resolution) in chapters 3 to 9: 19; and a conclusion in 9: 20--10: 3 . </P>

What is the book of esther about in the bible