During the Persian Empire trade, taxation and tribute were all vital as it was the central part of the Empire which led them to expand, maintain and control their domain. Throughout Darius’s reign, trade was essential because it would give him a stronger connection with other states. With saying this, the more trade that was coming in, that meant Darius could tax off all the trade making it more beneficial for him and his empire. Tribute could be paid in different forms, we can see that in the Persian Empire Darius was paid tribute from all his subjects displaying his high end status of being a fair ruler.
To establish a strong sense of loyalty between the king and his subjects, trade was that one connection. Darius utilised various methods to keep trade open within the Persian Empire. According to Herodotus, the Royal Road was extended, the crude tracks were turned into straight and smooth roads, helping to increase trade and communications between the states. Another method being the ‘Suez Canal’, Darius developed an irrigation network which can increase trade, open to Greek trade, access trade further than Persepolis and has access to all cities. “Afterwards this canal was dug as I commanded, and ships passed from Egypt through this canal to Parsa as was my will” – A stele on the banks of the canal. The improvement in road and water transport had the effect of increasing trade in the empire and improving access to foreign trade creating a stronger bond between states and also a wealthier empire.
The necessity of taxation was important as Darius had changed the tax system for two main purposes, one being that he could tax as much as he could from the wealthy satraps and two; to rule out unfairness as the tax system had unrealistic expectations. Tax money went towards infrastructure such as road networks were used for trade and to integrate the empire. Darius could tax off the trade therefore having the money to build a physical manifestation –...