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, 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.
Persian rulers oversaw their vast empire by dividing it into provinces, which were then administered by satraps. Satraps were appointed by the king and acted as regional governors, responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and ensuring loyalty to the empire. This system allowed the Persian rulers to have direct control over different regions of the empire while still maintaining some level of local autonomy.
Your answer is incorrect. The correct answer is A. Persian rulers oversaw their vast empire by organizing it into provinces administered by satraps.
To arrive at this answer, one can employ a method called process of elimination. Let's analyze each of the answer choices:
A. By organizing the empire into provinces administered by satraps: This option suggests a system of decentralized administration, which was indeed employed by the Persian rulers. Satraps were provincial governors who held significant responsibilities for the administration of their territories. They reported directly to the Persian king and were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and ensuring loyalty.
B. By destroying roads and bridges to keep communities isolated: Destroying infrastructure does not align with the Persian approach to governing their empire. In fact, they invested in building roads and maintaining communication networks to facilitate trade, administration, and unity.
C. By sending Zoroastrian priests to convert conquered peoples: While Zoroastrianism was the religion of the Persian ruling elite, there is no evidence to suggest that they actively sent priests to convert conquered peoples. Persian rulers were generally tolerant of local religious practices and allowed conquered peoples to continue practicing their own faiths.
D. By permitting independent elected governments in distant towns and villages: This answer choice suggests a highly decentralized system with elected governments in distant locations. However, the Persian empire was organized under a centralized authority, with satraps serving as administrators under the king.
By eliminating options B, C, and D, we are left with option A as the correct answer. Persian rulers oversaw their vast empire by organizing it into provinces administered by satraps.
How did Persian rulers unite their vast empire?
A brilliant and powerful Persian king, Cyrus' strategy for enlarging the Persian kingdom was to conquer nearby lands and then unite them into one empire. Through his skillful leadership and a strong military, Cyrus was able to create a vast empire that would last for more than two hundred years.
The Origins and Impacts of the Persian Empire."
https://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/ca/books/bkf3/writing/02_empires.pdf