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Iran (Ancient Persia)
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Darius' Will
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| Darius
Achaemenian, King of Persia
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Pages in English & Persian
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The water channel that I wanted to create between the Nile and the Red Sea is still under construction. You must finish this highly important and strategic project. The taxes to be imposed on ships should not be so high that sailors choose not to navigate the channel.
I have just sent an army to Egypt to bring order and security to that part of our jurisdiction. However, I did not have a chance to send an army to Greece. You must do this. Invade Greece with a strong army to show the Greeks that the king of Iran is able to punish those who created tragic events.
My other advice to you: never let liars or flatterers near you as both tarnish your dynasty. Abandon the
liars without mercy. Never let your ministers predominate people. I have created laws to prevent their predominance in taxation of people. The ministers and the people will be kept apart if you follow these laws.
Keep the rank and file in your military satisfied, and do not ill-treat them. If you ill-treat them, they cannot reciprocate. However, in battles they would not serve you by not resisting the enemy.
Continue the educational programs that I started. Let everyone read and write to improve their understanding. As people comprehend more, you will be able to rule with more confidence. Support Zoroastrian religion but never impose it on any people. Always keep in mind that everyone should be free to follow his preferred religion.
After my death, wash my body, rap it with the shroud I have prepared, and put it in a stone coffin. Place the coffin in my grave and leave it uncovered to remind you, whenever you visit my grave, that even your father and the king of twenty-five countries die. |
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Iran
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