Cyrus and Darius: Contrasting Governing Policies in Ancient Persia and Assyria
How did the governing policies of Cyrus and Darius differ from those of Assyrian rulers?
a) Cyrus and Darius promoted religious tolerance, while Assyrian rulers were known for their cruelty.
b) Cyrus and Darius used a centralized bureaucracy, while Assyrian rulers relied on a decentralized system.
c) Cyrus and Darius favored imperialism, while Assyrian rulers focused on trade.
d) Cyrus and Darius used military conquests to expand, while Assyrian rulers focused on diplomacy.
Answer:
Cyrus and Darius, Persian rulers, had governing policies characterized by religious tolerance, local governance, grand public works projects, and military-dominated expansion.
Explanation:
The governing policies of Cyrus and Darius differed significantly from those of the Assyrian rulers. Notably, Cyrus and Darius, who were leaders of the Persian Empire, promoted religious tolerance, allowed local governance under their overall rule, and placed a heavy emphasis on the military for empire expansion. The Persian Empire under Cyrus and Darius was organized into a centralized bureaucracy with twenty districts called satrapies, each headed by a governor, or satrap, selected from the local areas. These satraps were extensions of the king's authority, and helped maintain order and ensure tribute was paid. On the other hand, Assyrian rulers, who at one time commanded the largest empire the Near East had seen, had a different structure. While they too utilized governors stationed in various regions, their governance appeared more decentralized and was known for its brutality rather than a policy of tolerance. However, they shared the use of military forces for power assertion, though Assyrians also heavily used diplomatic practices. Another distinguishing factor was the emphasis Cyrus and Darius had on large-scale public works projects, such as constructing grand palaces with workers from the diverse regions under their dominion. This is observable in the constructions at Susa, Persepolis, and Pasargadae. These elements reflect the advanced administrative abilities and methods utilized by Cyrus and Darius in comparison to the Assyrian rulers.
Understanding the Differences in Governing Policies
During the ancient times of the Persian and Assyrian empires, the governing policies adopted by Cyrus and Darius showcased a significant departure from the methods employed by Assyrian rulers. The Persians, under the leadership of Cyrus and Darius, focused on fostering an environment of religious tolerance, enabling local authorities to govern regions under their jurisdiction, and utilizing military conquests as a means for expanding their empire.
By implementing a centralized bureaucratic system divided into satrapies, Cyrus and Darius were able to exercise control over various territories while granting a degree of autonomy to appointed governors. This contrasted with the more decentralized and cruel methods observed in the governance of the Assyrian rulers. Despite the brutality associated with Assyrian rule, both empires utilized military power to assert dominance, with Assyrians incorporating diplomatic strategies to maintain influence.
The dedication of Cyrus and Darius to extensive public works projects, exemplified by the construction of magnificent palaces and infrastructure, demonstrated their advanced administrative capabilities and commitment to showcasing their power. Their approach stood in stark contrast to the Assyrian rulers, whose governance emphasized control through fear and oppression, rather than the development of monumental structures and public works.
Ultimately, the governing policies of Cyrus and Darius reflected a more progressive and strategically oriented framework compared to the methods employed by Assyrian rulers, setting a precedent for the administrative practices and expansion strategies that defined the empires of ancient Persia.