Question

(1) Cyrus the Great and (2) Darius I.

Option 1: Both were Egyptian pharaohs.
Option 2: Both were Roman emperors.
Option 3: Both were Persian kings.
Option 4: Both were Greek philosophers.

Answer 1

Cyrus the Great and Darius I were Persian kings. Cyrus expanded the empire, conquering Babylon and Egypt, and was succeeded by his son, Cambyses II, who continued his policies. Darius I, after rising to power, reorganized the empire and improved its infrastructure and government systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option 3: Both Cyrus the Great and Darius I were Persian kings. Cyrus the Great is known for leading the Persians to overthrow the Median dynasty and by 539 BCE, conquering the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Cyrus the Great further expanded Persian control into Egypt and built a substantial empire. His successor, Darius I, known for organizing the empire into twenty satrapies and implementing significant infrastructure projects like palaces and water systems, expanded the empire and enhanced administrative control. Darius I reformed the empire's system, had a postal service established, and standardized weights and measures, which contributed to the empire's stability and efficiency.

Cyrus was followed by his son Cambyses II, who not only led the Persian armies westward but also became pharaoh in Egypt, while Darius I rose to power after Cambyses' death. The Persian Empire's remarkable feature was its respect for the cultures and traditions of conquered lands, a policy that helped them maintain control over diverse regions.