Chronology in Esther

The events of Esther unfold over a period of 10 years.

Reference	Event	Month	Day	Year of Ahasuerus's Reign	Year
1:3	Ahasuerus holds his banquets			3	483 b.c.
2:16	Esther goes to Ahasuerus	10		7	479
3:7	Haman casts his lots	1		12	474
3:12	Haman issues his decree	1	13	12	474
3:13	Date planned for annihilation of the Jews	12	13	13	473
8:9	Mordecai issues his decree	3	23	13	474
8:12; 9:1	Day upon which Jews could defend themselves from attack	12	13	13	473
9:6–10, 20–22	Ten sons of Haman executed; Feast of Purim celebrated	12	14, 15	13	473