There is Assyrian rulers divided their empire into 70 smaller units of government called provinces. Then they assigned a governor to each province who reported directly to the ASSYRIAN ruler. What was the goal of this technique to keep powerful governors from competing from the throne to control of distant lands to encourage trade throughout the empire to allow providences to become separate empire

Question

There is Assyrian rulers divided their empire into 70 smaller units of government called provinces. Then they assigned a governor to each province who reported directly to the ASSYRIAN ruler. What was the goal of this technique to keep powerful governors from competing from the throne to control of distant lands to encourage trade throughout the empire to allow providences to become separate empire

Answer 1

The goal of dividing the Assyrian empire into smaller provinces and assigning governors to each province was primarily to keep powerful governors from competing for the throne or seeking control of distant lands. By directly appointing governors who reported directly to the Assyrian ruler, central authority was maintained, and the ruler's control over the entire empire was reinforced.

This technique aimed to establish a centralized administration and prevent the rise of potential rivals within the empire. It ensured that power remained in the hands of the Assyrian ruler, reducing the risk of internal conflicts and rebellions. Additionally, the governors acted as representatives of the ruler, enforcing laws and policies throughout their respective provinces, guaranteeing unified governance across the empire.

The goal was not to allow provinces to become separate empires but rather to maintain the unity and control of the Assyrian empire under the ruler's authority. While provinces had some autonomy in local administration, they ultimately remained subordinate to the Assyrian ruler, serving the larger interests of the empire.

Encouraging trade throughout the empire was also likely a motive behind this technique. By maintaining central control through appointed governors, trade could be facilitated, as governors could ensure the protection of trade routes and the enforcement of trade agreements, promoting economic growth and prosperity within the empire. Overall, the division of the empire into provinces with appointed governors helped to stabilize the empire, consolidate power, and promote economic activities under the ultimate control of the Assyrian ruler.