What if Ancient Persian Democracy
Ancient Persia is admired by many for its advanced and enlightened society. Cyrus the Great in particular influenced many future democratic leaders. With this in mind would the establishment of a democracy or an oligarchy have been possible in ancient Persia? Best POD seems to be after the rule of Bardia(or his impostor) in 522 when people are most sick of the monarchy. What are the implications for this? Effect on history and the Persian Empire?
Democracy: a Persian Invention?
Herodotus: The Persians Reject Democracy/Darius' State
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-persdemo.asp
Ancient Persia is admired by many for its advanced and enlightened society. Cyrus the Great in particular influenced many future democratic leaders. With this in mind would the establishment of a democracy or an oligarchy have been possible in ancient Persia? Best POD seems to be after the rule of Bardia(or his impostor) in 522 when people are most sick of the monarchy. What are the implications for this? Effect on history and the Persian Empire?
Democracy: a Persian Invention?
http://www.academia.edu/2172143/Democracy_a_Persian_InventionNow, Otanes makes the most audacious suggestion. Monarchy is not pleasant or good, he claims. Since a single ruler is submitted to no public examination,the people have to endure the arrogance, indiscriminate anger and envy, inherent in his unchecked supremacy. A monarchy disrupts the laws, takes women by force, and puts men to death without trial. The only alternative option is the rule of the majority.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OtanesOtanes then gathered six noblemen and plots to get rid of the false Smerdis. A seventh nobleman, Darius, arrives at the capital Susa shortly thereafter, and was then included in the group. Following the overthrow of the false Smerdis, the seven co-conspirators hold a council to discuss the way forward (3.80–82). Otanes, speaking first, argues for turning the government over to the people, and for the principle of equality before the law (3.80.2, 3.83.1, 6.43.3, isonomíē). Megabyzus spoke next, urging that they resort to an oligarchy "of the best men, ... ourselves among them" (3.81.3). The third to express his opinion was Darius, who argues for a monarchy. In a vote, the majority decides in favour of a monarchy.
Herodotus: The Persians Reject Democracy/Darius' State
http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/herodotus-persdemo.asp
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