How did Persian rulers oversee such a vast empire?
A. by organizing the empire into provinces administered by satraps
B. by destroying roads and bridges to keep communities isolated
C. by sending Zoroastrian priests to convert conquered peoples
D. by permitting independent elected governments in distant towns and villages **
my answer **
Your answer is incorrect. The correct answer is A. Persian rulers oversaw such a vast empire by organizing it into provinces administered by satraps. These satraps were local governors appointed by the central government who were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and enforcing the laws in their respective provinces. This system allowed the Persian rulers to effectively govern and maintain control over their vast empire.
Your answer, D. by permitting independent elected governments in distant towns and villages, is incorrect. The correct answer is A. by organizing the empire into provinces administered by satraps.
To arrive at this answer, you can use reasoning based on historical knowledge. The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was one of the largest empires in ancient history, spanning from Egypt and Greece in the west to India and Central Asia in the east.
To effectively govern such a vast empire, the Persian rulers implemented a system where the empire was divided into provinces, also known as satrapies. Each province was overseen by a satrap, who acted as the local governor or administrator. The satraps were appointed by the Persian king and were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and enforcing imperial policies in their respective provinces. They answered directly to the central Persian government, ensuring its control while also allowing a degree of local autonomy.
This system of organizing the empire into provinces and appointing satraps effectively helped the Persian rulers oversee their vast territory and maintain their imperial control.