Question

How did Darius I help conquered peoples avoid hardship?

a. He imposed heavy taxes to fund social welfare programs.
b. Darius implemented policies to respect local customs and religions.
c. Conquered peoples were forced into slavery for economic benefits.
d. Darius abandoned conquered territories, allowing self-rule.

Answer 1

Darius I helped conquered peoples avoid hardship by implementing policies to respect local customs and religions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Darius I helped conquered peoples avoid hardship by implementing policies to respect local customs and religions.

So long as the conquered people were loyal, paid taxes, and sent troops when called upon, the Persian kings, including Darius I, allowed them to practice their own religions, use their own languages, and carry on their own trading practices and customs. This lenient approach to ruling conquered territories was in stark contrast to earlier methods employed by the Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians.

For example, Darius I allowed the exiled Jews to return to Judah from Babylon, and he maintained an image of beneficence and sympathy for his subjects rather than attempting to terrorize them into submission.