Final answer:
Cyrus the Great and Darius I ruled their diverse empire by respecting local customs and allowing regional autonomy, showcasing a practice of tolerance and smart governance. This strategy of leniency and strategic kindness resulted in minimizing uprisings and promoting loyalty among conquered peoples.Option C is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyrus the Great and Darius I were both known for their innovative strategies in ruling over a diverse and vast empire peacefully. Instead of using authoritarian methods to impose their will, they opted for a strategy highlighted by regional autonomy and respect for local customs.
Cyrus the Great began his conquests by invading Anatolia and, despite defeating the Greek poleis, allowed the Greeks to maintain their language, religion, and culture in exchange for loyalty and taxes. Cyrus's generosity was also evident when he allowed the exiled Jews to return to Judah, further showcasing his leniency and strategic kindness. Darius I, on the other hand, focused on infrastructure and governance, organizing the empire into satrapies. Instead of enforcing Persian language and traditions, he maintained indigenous languages and administrative practices within the conquered lands.
Their administration promoted loyalty and minimized uprisings, which characterizes their rule as one of peace through tolerance and smart governance, rather than military oppression or forced cultural assimilation. The Persepolis reliefs, depicting the diversity within the empire, and the novel approaches to empire-building, solidified their reputation as rulers who linked their power to a sense of beneficence toward their subjects.