Episode 9 Royal Roads and Messengers

The Persian Empire (2012)

Dr John W I Lee

Film Review

In this lecture, Dr Lee looks at the 20 provinces Darius I governed, along with the extensive road and messenger system that enabled the him to control an empire of 25 million people. Lee calls the Persian Empire the first “information empire.”

Darius began by expanding on the the road network of the Assyrian Empire, which also had a long distance messenger system. Although Persian roads were only paved in the major cities, all were extremely well-maintained with relay stations (providing food, water and fresh horses) every 10-20 miles. In addition, tens of thousands of private persons used Persian roads daily, traveling by donkey camel, chariot and light two-wheeled carts. Goods were transported in caravans of four-wheeled ox drawn carts.

The government issued leather passports to messengers and officials (eg tax collectors, judges and inspectors monitoring the satrapies). Printed in Aramaic, they entitled the bearer to food and drink at the relay stations. The Persian kings also built canals, an equally important form of transportation.

Darius divided the empire into 20 provinces or satrapies. The satraps appointed to rule them were responsible for maintaining local roads and canals. Most of the satraps were Persian, and each had their own palace, treasury and troops (to defend both the satrapy and, where required, the king). Satraps often rewarded retired soldiers with grants of land for their services.

Although most of the old Assyrian cities were abandoned following Persian conquest, Babylon remained a major financial and religious center. Likewise Phoenicia kept their own king (who was required to pay tribute) and issued their own coins after being conquered by Persia.

After proclaiming himself pharaoh in Egypt, as well as king of Persia and Babylon, Darius built numerous Egyptian canals, including an early version of the Suez Canal between the delta and the Red Sea.

https://www.kanopy.com/en/pukeariki/watch/video/15372393/15372432