History of the World Podcast - Chapter 32: Darius the Achaemenid

Background

• Cambyses, successor to Cyrus the Great, allegedly murdered his brother Bardia.
• Cambyses died accidently in 522 BC, leaving the Persian Empire without a direct heir.
• Bardia's usurpation was popular due to tax suspension.

The Usurpation of Bardia

• Bardia ruled from Susa, distancing himself from noble audiences.
• Patizathes, a magus, replaced Bardia with his brother Gaumata.
• Darius, Cambyses' spear bearer, led a conspiracy to overthrow the false Bardia.
• The conspiracy succeeded, and the heads of the magi were displayed.

Rise of Darius

• The Persian Empire was without a king post-Bardia.
• Darius and six nobles decided the next king through a rigged competition.
• Darius became king by rigging the horse neighing contest.

Darius’s Reign and Policies

• Legitimize kingship by marrying Cambyses' sisters, strengthening his Achaemenid claim.
• Reorganized empire into 20 satrapies, improving bureaucracy.
• Created the Royal Road for efficient communication and administration.

Administration and Economy

• Darius established the king's eyes for oversight over satraps.
• Introduced state-approved coins (darics), boosting the economy.
• Taxed provinces and neighbors, increasing the empire’s wealth.

Military Campaigns

• Rebellions in Babylon, Media, Elam, Egypt, Parthia, and Judah.
• Expanded empire to the Indus River, creating the satrapy of Hindush.
• Pursued Scythians with innovative military strategies.
• Conquered Thrace and turned Macedonia into a client state.

Ionian Revolt

• Ionian cities revolted against Persian rule in 499 BC.
• Aristagoras sought aid from Athens, leading to the burning of Sardis.
• Persian response led by Darius; revolt eventually suppressed.

Persian Wars Begin

• Darius aimed to punish Athens for aiding the Ionians.
• Failed first invasion of Greece by Mardonius due to a storm.
• Second invasion led by Datis, with initial successes through fear tactics.

Battle of Marathon

• Athens, with Plataean help, defeated the Persians at Marathon in 490 BC.
• Greek strategy included the use of the phalanx and a strategic pincer maneuver.
• Persian retreat with significant losses.

Legacy and Death

• Darius continued to plan invasions until his death in 486 BC.
• Remembered for his administrative prowess and economic reforms.
• Transition to Xerxes who continued conflicts with Greece.

Global Context (486 BC)

• Buddha’s era in India, civil war in China, decline of the Olmec in the Americas.
• Expansion of Carthage, Bantu migrations in Africa.
• Rome consolidating as a republic, Celtic strength in Europe.

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Next Episode: Origins of Greek Civilization

• Examination of Greek identity, Minoan civilization, myths, and history.