They must, therefore, it would seem, have satisfied the commercial needs of the people.
From this review of the governmental system of Darius we must now return to the actions of his later life.

The history of an Oriental monarchy must always be composed mainly of a series of biographies; for, as the monarch is all in all in such communities, his sayings, doings, and character, not only determine, but constitute, the annals of the State.
In the second period of his reign, that which followed on the time of trouble and disturbance, Darius (as has been already observed) appears to have pursued mainly the arts of peace.

Bent on settling and consolidating his Empire, he set up everywhere the satrapial form of government, organized and established his posts, issued his coinage, watched over the administration of justice, and in various ways exhibited a love of order and method, and a genius for systematic arrangement.

At the same time he devoted considerable attention to ornamental and architectural works, to sculpture, and to literary composition.

He founded the royal palace at Susa, which was the main residence of the later kings.