DBQ Document #3
Herodotus, Greek Historian, from his Histories, How Darius Became Ruler of
Persia, 5th century BCE
This [empire] he set up in Persia; and afterwards he proceeded to establish twenty
governments of the kind which the Persians call satrapies, assigning to each its
governor, and fixing the tribute which was to be paid him by the several nations.
And generally he joined together in one satrapy the nations that were neighbors,
but sometimes he passed over the nearer tribes, and put [together] those which
were more remote. The following is an account of these governments, and of the
yearly tribute which they paid to the king […] During all the reign of Cyrus, and
afterwards when Cambyses ruled, there were no fixed tributes, but the nations
severally brought gifts to the king. On account of this and other like doings, the
Persians say that Darius was a huckster, […] and Cyrus a father; for Darius
looked to making a gain in everything; […] while Cyrus was gentle, and procured
them all manner of goods.
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Severally (adv.) separately, individually.
Huckster (n.) someone who works or acts mainly for money or other reward; someone who is cheap
1. Who is the Speaker of this document? Make sure to include historical facts
about them that would be relevant to interpreting the meaning of this text.
(remember: the speaker is whose voice is being heard in the document)
2. What is the Occasion of this document? Address both the historical
timeframe (when/where this was written) & immediate occasion (the
events that prompted this writing)
3. Who is the Audience of this document? How does this choice of audience
influence the document’s content or meaning?
4. What is the Purpose of this document? Why did the author write it?
5. What is a satrapy, and what purpose does it serve in Persia?
6. What did Darius and Cyrus do to get their reputations as rulers?