Final answer:
The Persians used leniency and military strategies to combat imperialists and protect their businesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Persians used a combination of leniency and military tactics to combat imperialists taking their businesses. They allowed their conquered subjects to practice their own religions, use their own languages, and carry on their own trading practices, which helped to maintain an image of beneficence and link their power to sympathy for their subjects. In terms of military tactics, the Persians mobilized their empire for war when necessary and had subjects contribute troops according to their strengths, such as the Phoenicians forming the navy and the Medes forming the cavalry.
Additionally, the Persians famously attempted to expand their empire further to include mainland Greece but were ultimately defeated in this attempt. They were known for their monumental art and architecture, which helped reinforce their claims to power and depict Persian rule.
In summary, the Persians utilized a combination of lenient treatment towards their subjects and strategic military tactics to combat imperialists taking their businesses, allowing them to maintain control over their empire for a significant period of time.