4. Compare the political systems of the Persian Empire and of Greece. What factors best explain the differences between Persian and Greek culture? Why did the Persians and the Greeks come into conflict? What factors contributed to the demise of the Persian Empire?
There are precious few similarities between the political systems of the two civilizations; in fact they were almost diametrically opposite each other. The Persian Empire started with Cyrus, who united the Persians and overthrew the Medes, prompting the two similar cultures to blend. The empire reached its fullest extent under Darius I, who built its basic governmental structure: provinces governed by satraps, tribute money funneled to the center, and a decentralized legal system. An extensive road and post system connected the imperial center because the Persian Empire was the largest empire in the world at that time. The Persian government demonstrated flexibility and tolerance in its handling of the laws, customs, and beliefs of subject peoples. The Persian administration superimposed on top of local structures and the Persians also displayed a flair for public relations. The Zoroastrian religion underlined the authority of the king as the appointee of god, champion of justice, and defender of world order against evil and destructive forces. By imposing a uniform system of law and administration and by providing security and stability, the Persian government fostered commerce and prosperity.
-The Greece consisted of hundreds of independent political entities. The Greek polis called city-state consisted of an urban center and the rural territory that it controlled. Most urban centers had certain characteristic feature. A hilltop "acropolis" offered a place of refuge in an emergency. The town spread out around the base of this fortified high point. An "gathering place” was an open area where citizens