98. Darius the Great: Ruling from India to the Mediterranean
Nov 16, 2023
auto_awesome
Darius the Great, ruler of the Persian Empire, reaches his zenith stretching from the Mediterranean to India. Topics covered include Darius' rise to power, the extent and challenges of the Persian Empire, manipulation of history, power dynamics and slavery in the Ottoman Empire, Darius' expansion and consolidation, and communications and the grandeur of Persepolis.
Darius the Great expanded the Persian Empire by marrying multiple women from conquered regions and aimed to conquer India.
Darius built the magnificent city of Persepolis as the dynastic center and a site for celebrations and receiving embassies.
Despite setbacks in expanding into Ukraine, Darius successfully expanded Persian control in Egypt and developed communication networks and infrastructure.
Deep dives
Darius the Great and the Expansion of the Persian Empire
Darius the Great, king of Persia, embarked on an ambitious project to expand the Persian Empire. He married multiple women from different conquered regions to solidify his rule. Darius aimed to conquer India, the wealthiest region at the time. The Persian Empire had a sophisticated communication system, including a postal service with service stations along the way. Darius built the magnificent city of Persepolis as the dynastic center and a site for celebrations and receiving embassies. However, Darius faced challenges in expanding eastward into Ukraine and experienced setbacks. Throughout his reign, Darius focused on consolidating his power, establishing bureaucratic offices, and ensuring effective governance across the vast empire.
Darius' Rule in Egypt and the Suiz Canal
Darius conquered Egypt with the help of a turncoat named Wachor Rosnett. He continued Cambyses' efforts and further consolidated Persian control by marrying into the Egyptian royal family. Darius is credited with building the Suiz Canal, connecting the Nile River to the Red Sea, allowing easier travel and trade between Persia and Egypt. While details of the canal's construction are uncertain, it played a significant role in enhancing communication and trade within the Persian Empire. Darius' rule in Egypt illustrates his ambition and ability to expand Persian control, even in formidable regions with rich ancient civilizations.
Persepolis as the Architectural Marvel of the Persian Empire
Darius commissioned the construction of Persepolis, a magnificent palace complex that became the dynastic center of the Persian Empire. Persepolis featured grand structures, including the Apadana, a colossal throne hall, banquet halls, parade grounds, gardens, and treasuries. The city's architecture showcased imperial spectacle and served as a venue for important gatherings, celebrations, and receptions of embassies. Persepolis demonstrated the wealth, power, and grandeur of the Persian Empire, and its ruins remain a remarkable archaeological site today.
Persian Religion and Worship during Darius' Reign
The details of religion and worship during Darius' reign remain somewhat ambiguous. While recent research highlights proto-Zoroastrian elements, the term 'Zoroastrian' is not entirely applicable to the period. The authority of a Huramazda, a form of supreme deity, is evident in Darius' inscriptions, but the religious practices and rituals of the Persians are not adequately documented. Herodotus's descriptions of Persian religious practices should be viewed with caution, as he often presented a distorted contrast to Greek religious traditions. Further study is necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of religious practices in ancient Persia.
Darius' Ambitions and Setbacks in Expansion
While Darius had ambitious plans for expanding the Persian Empire, his efforts faced setbacks. Conquering regions like Scythia (Ukraine) proved challenging due to adverse weather conditions and resistance from local populations. Darius' focus on consolidating power and maintaining control within the empire necessitated his attention in various regions. Despite setbacks, Darius successfully expanded Persian control in Egypt and developed communication networks and infrastructure. His rule marked a period of remarkable achievements and advancements in trade, governance, and architectural marvels.
The Persian Empire that Darius took control of was already mighty and powerful; his predecessor, Cambyses, had conquered Egypt, further expanding its territory. But it was under Darius it reached its zenith. Stretching all the way from the Mediterranean in the west to India in the east, from the Gulf of Oman in the south to southern Russia in the north, Persia under Darius was truly a global superpower. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones to discuss the life of Darius the Great.
For bonus episodes, ad-free listening, reading lists, book discounts, a weekly newsletter, and a chat community. Sign up at https://empirepod.supportingcast.fm/