Persian Policy

Full Answer Section

Another important principle of Persian policy was the concept of satrapy. A satrapy was a province of the Persian Empire, and each satrapy was ruled by a satrap, who was appointed by the Persian king. Satraps were given a great deal of autonomy, and they were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and administering justice in their satrapies.

The Persian policy of tolerance and integration was evident in a number of ways. First, the Persians allowed conquered peoples to maintain their own religions and customs. In fact, the Persians often adopted the gods and goddesses of conquered peoples into their own pantheon. Second, the Persians allowed conquered peoples to hold high positions in the Persian government. For example, Darius the Great appointed a number of Babylonians and Medes to important positions in his government. Third, the Persians intermarried with conquered peoples. This helped to promote integration and create a sense of shared identity.

Of course, there were some exceptions to the Persian policy of tolerance and integration. For example, when the Persians conquered Babylon, they destroyed the city's temples and deported its leading citizens. However, these were rare exceptions, and the Persians generally treated conquered peoples with respect and dignity.

Here are some specific examples of the Persian policy of tolerance and integration:

• Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem after they had been exiled by the Babylonians.
• Darius the Great appointed a number of Babylonians and Medes to important positions in his government, including the position of satrap.
• The Persians allowed conquered peoples to maintain their own religions and customs. For example, they adopted the Egyptian god Amun into their own pantheon as Ahuramazda, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism.
• The Persians intermarried with conquered peoples. For example, Darius the Great married Atossa, the daughter of Cyrus the Great, who was a Median princess.

The Persian policy of tolerance and integration was one of the key factors that contributed to the success of the Persian Empire. The Persians were able to rule a vast and diverse empire for over 200 years because they were able to integrate conquered peoples into the empire and give them a sense of belonging.

Conclusion

The Persian policy toward conquered peoples was one of tolerance and integration. The Persians allowed conquered peoples to maintain their own religions and customs, they appointed conquered peoples to high positions in the government, and they intermarried with conquered peoples. This policy helped the Persians to rule a vast and diverse empire for over 200 years.

Sample Answer

The Persian policy toward conquered peoples can be best described as one of tolerance and integration. The Persians were known for their relatively humane treatment of conquered peoples, and they made efforts to integrate them into the Persian Empire.

One of the key principles of Persian policy toward conquered peoples was the concept of dharma, which can be loosely translated as "law" or "order." Dharma was the idea that there was a natural order to the universe, and that everyone had a role to play in that order. The Persians believed that it was their duty to uphold dharma, and this included treating conquered peoples with respect and dignity.