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Darius was one of the great Kings of Persia best known for his administrative genius and building projects. His rise to power was turmoltuous. According to Herodotus, while Cambyses was in Egypt, a man claiming to be Bardiya (his brother) proclaimed himself king. This man had previously been ordered to death. On Cambyses trip home to sort issues out he died by his own hand. Both Herodotus and the Behistan inscription tell of economic and …

…using tactics to give him an unfair advantage. This is most likely all legend that Herodotus included for Greek audiences rather than scholars of history. Darius did not at first gain general recognition but had to impose his rule by force. His assassination of Bardiya was followed by widespread revolts, which threatened to disrupt the empire. These risings, however, were spontaneous and uncoordinated; Darius and his generals were able to suppress them one by one.