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Roles and Images of the King (DARIUS (Wasn't directly in line for the…
Roles and Images of the King
efficient organisation of imperial administration (contributed to success of P empire)
power was absolute (autocrat)
didn't have to consider a council
orders were mandatory (despite what Herodotus says)
was supported by council by his own decision (evident in book of Esther)
subjects called 'BANDAKA' (dependents)
claimed religious and hereditary sanction (Descendant of Achaemeid) - shown on Behistan Rock
didn't claim to be a God
only ever 1 king at a time (power not divided between 2 sons)
received income from estates & workshops, taxes & tribute
importance of the King seen in P art (treasury relief of Persepolis shown on a raised platform )
"Amongst all these immense numbers there was not a man who...was more worthy than Xerxes to wield so vast a power" HDT
Court & administrative centre centralised around the King - wellbeing of the empire dependent on quality of the King
had assets to maintain good domestic & imperial order (treasuries to collect taxes, manage finances, scribes to keep records, communications network)
DARIUS
Wasn't directly in line for the throne (had the support of nobles after the death of Cambyses & his brother)
needed to crush rebellions all over the empire
(Behistan Inscription shows Gaumata u/ Darius foot w/ rebels in chains)
stressed his lineage to Achaemeid
Portrayed himself as a King appointed by Ahuramazda (image at Behistan may represent him above Darius)
"Ahuramazda granted me the Kingdom"
Transformed the administration of the Empire (cyrus appointed satraps but Darius define satrapal boarders and est new satraps (prevent further rebellions) - garrisons
any son could be the heir (est by Cyrus)
crowned prince usually took the Satrapy of Babylon
Images: king is always larger (eg. Behistan inscription) portrayed as powerful and strong (
"the King of Kings was the sun around whom all else revolved" - Matt waters