Question

state-building: the persian empire
persians revolts against median rule to gain independence. cyrus revolts against his grandfather, astyages, king of the medes.
image credit: wikimedia commons user ali zifan
this gif shows the expansion of the achaemenid empire over time, followed by its contraction and decline following the invasion by alexander of macedon.
the changes to the persian empire shown in the maps between 553 and 518 bce were largely the result of
choose 1 answer:
a the spread of zoroastrianism leading more people to identify as persians
b other states voluntarily joining the persian empire
c persians immigrating and populating more territory
d persian conquests that established client states and satrapies

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The spread of Zoroastrianism is more about cultural/religious identity, not territorial expansion of the empire in 553 - 518 BCE. Eliminate A.
• Option B: States rarely "voluntarily" join an empire; expansion in this era was more through conquest. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Immigration of Persians alone wouldn't lead to empire expansion as shown (territorial control, not just population). Eliminate C.
• Option D: The Achaemenid Empire (Persian Empire) expanded through conquests, establishing client states and satrapies (administrative provinces) during this period. This matches the territorial changes.

Answer:

D. Persian conquests that established client states and satrapies