ABSTRACT
Darius I made Persia the largest empire the world had yet known. His rule included the introduction of efficient administrative districts, the construction of roads, and an unsuccessful war with Greece. Darius ventured far into eastern Europe, crossing the Danube and seeking battle with the Scythians. He was unable to secure his position, however, and was forced to return to Asia Minor. Many of the reforms and projects of Darius's reign long outlived him. He had a highway called the Royal Road built between the empire's capital Susa and Sardis in Asia Minor, which, along with a canal dug between the Nile and the Red Sea, enabled Persians to increase transportation and communications in subsequent decades. In foreign policy, however, Darius left a destructive legacy. His preoccupation with punishing the Greeks for their defiance of Persia led to similar policies among his successors.
