Question

which statement best describes how rulers such as cyrus the great and darius were able to rule the diverse and expansive persian (achaemenid) empire of the 500s and 400s bce?
a persia permitted christian groups to worship freely.
b persian military forces drafted all men under 30 into service.
c persia allowed conquered areas to rule themselves on local matters.
d persian armies crushed all possible resistance to prevent future rebellions.

Explanation:

Cyrus the Great and Darius were known for relatively tolerant and administrative - wise governance. Option A is incorrect as Christianity was not prominent in the 500s - 400s BCE Persian Empire. Option B is incorrect as military conscription of all men under 30 was not a key governance feature for ruling a diverse empire. Option D is incorrect as crushing all resistance was not the main way of governance. Option C, allowing conquered areas to rule themselves on local matters (a form of administrative decentralization and tolerance), was a key way for Persian rulers like Cyrus and Darius to rule a diverse empire.

Answer:

C. Persia allowed conquered areas to rule themselves on local matters.