In this empire, people were united under one ruler, and provinces were governed by relatives or associates of the king. As shown in the chapter, the Persian empire was founded by Cyrus, who defeated the kings who reigned over the local lands. The Persian empire, in contrast, had a higher degree of centralization. This structure is reflected in the text, which lists the number of people invited from different areas: “47,074 men women who were invited from every part of my land, 5,000 dignitaries envoys of the people of the lands Suhu, Hindanu, Patinu, Hatti, Tyre, Sidon, Gurgumu, Malibu, Hubushkia, Gilzanu, Kumu, Musasiru, 16,000 people of Kalach, 1,500 zar-ïqū of my palace”. Although the empire featured a political and geographic core called the Land of Ashur, it also included a large number of territories governed by subjects of Assyria. Firstly, as explained in the chapter, the Neo-Assyrian empire had a low degree of centralization. The texts also offer information that can be used to support claims regarding the degree of centralization in each of the empires. Therefore, each text provides insight into various aspects of the life of the four empires. The document highlights the importance of dynasty in the empire and the connection between the living rulers and the spirits of their dead ancestors. Lastly, the fourth text pertains to the history of the Vedic Empire, focusing on the role of religion in people’s lives and the religious customs of the time. The third text is an excerpt from the Shangshu, which details the transition of power in the Zhou empire. The content of the text suggests that Darius I rules in compliance with Zoroastrianist values and beliefs, contrasting him with the rulers of the states he conquered and the “Lie-followers”. In particular, the document mentions Ahura Mazda, the main spirit worshipped in the Persian Empire. This text focuses on his military endeavors while also highlighting the influence of religion on the administrative structure of the empire. The second text was translated from a trilingual Behistun inscription, commissioned by Darius I, who ruled the Persian Empire. The degree of detail serves to highlight the ruler’s wealth, and the primary purpose of the inscription was thus to convey this idea of prosperity to the next generations.
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