Darius III-Great Persian ruler, manager, legislator, architect

Darius the Great of Persia (548-486 BC), commonly known as Darius the Great, was one of the greatest kings of Persia (modern Iran) and one of the great kings of Achaemenid Empire. And also known as Persia. Empire (c. 550-330 BC).

He took the throne in 521 BC and killed his former king, Gaumata of Magian. He regarded him as a throne. Darius editions of these events can still be read at the monumental Bisotun inscription near the city of Kermanshah in western Iran.

Darius ruled at its peak when the Persian Empire spread from the Indus River (now Pakistan) through Central and Southwest Asia to parts of Egypt and Europe. He faced many rebellions throughout the empire, such as the Babylonian rebellion. He further expanded his empire by conquering the Scythians, Thracians, and Macedonians.

The Ionian Revolt (499-498) -and the associated Aeolis, Caria, Cyrus, and Doris Revolts-ascended against the Persian Empire.

Darius sent two punitive expeditions to punish the Athenians for supporting the Ionian Revolt, but these were rarely defeated. At the Battle of Marathon (490).

The Athenians also caused destruction in Persia during the Ionian Revolt-for example, they destroyed Sardis, the political capital of the western province of the Persian Empire.

According to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, Darius vowed to never forget the destruction of Sardis.In him history (Book 5: 105), Herodotus states: [Darius] He ordered one of his servants to repeat the words “Remember the Athenians, Master” three times each time he sat down for dinner. “

Darius’s conquest is known for his humane treatment of the people he conquered.

Darius reformed the administration and finances of the Persian Empire. He divided the empire into 20 provinces called “Satraps”, each governed by a “Satrap” (Governor). He monitored the empire’s income with the eyes of an eagle. For example, each Satrap had a secretary who monitored Satrap’s behavior and reported directly to Darius.

He collected a new annual tax and brought in a new standardized currency. He encouraged commerce. For example, they built roads and canals, built a strong navy, and sent expeditions.

Darius is known as a great legislator who is strict and fair, and has standardized the law throughout the Persian empire. Even foreigners recognized his excellent qualities as a legislator. The Bible (Daniel 6: 8) says, “The unchanging law of Medes and Persian.” Darius created the codification of Egyptian law.

Darius the Great was a follower of Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism, and under Darius the Zoroastrianism became the state religion. But on religious issues, Darius was unusual for his time and was famous for his religious tolerance.

Darius III was a great architect. He built the beautiful new capital, Susa (near modern-day Shooshtar, Iran). He also built a terrace and a magnificent palace in the magnificent city of Persepolis (518-516). The ceremonial capital of Persepolis, its ruins still amaze modern visitors (UNESCO registered the Persepolis fortress as a World Heritage Site in 1979).