History The Persian Empire Questions
The social hierarchy in the Persian Empire was structured in a hierarchical manner, with the king at the top followed by the nobility, priests, and military officials. Below them were the free citizens, who were mainly farmers, artisans, and merchants. Slaves and foreigners occupied the lowest rung of the social ladder. The Persian Empire had a centralized government, and the king held absolute power, with the nobility serving as his advisors and administrators. The priests played a significant role in religious affairs and held considerable influence. The military officials were responsible for maintaining the empire's security and expanding its territories. The free citizens enjoyed certain rights and privileges, such as owning land and participating in trade. Slaves had no rights and were considered property, while foreigners were often subjected to discrimination and limited rights.