Darius
I (558?-486
B.C.) was one of the most distinguished of eastern rulers. A
record of his early achievements is carved in cuneiform writing on a
high cliff known as Behistun Rock, in western Persia.
Darius became king in 521
B.C. He put down widespread revolts and,
later, added northwestern India and parts of central Asia and
southeastern Europe to his empire. Darius is credited with organizing
the empire into efficient administrative units called satrapies. He
reorganized the tax system and encouraged trade with other countries.
His army invaded Greece after conflicts with Greeks in Asia Minor and a
campaign against the Scythians in Europe. It was defeated at Marathon
in 490
B.C. Darius I died while preparing for a new
attack on Greece. Darius' son, Xerxes, succeeded him.
