The Satrapies of the Persian Empire

Abstract

According to Herodotus, the Levant and Cyprus constituted the “fifth satrapy” of the Persian Empire, known as Ebir-nari, “Across-the-River,” in Akkadian texts. This chapter discusses the region of Across-the-River, briefly examining its constituent districts and comparing the urbanism, population density, and economic activity on the Levantine coast with less developed inland territories. The chapter also reviews aspects of the administration of Across-the-River, including evidence for the history of satrapal leadership, the various forms of sub-provincial organization, the role of Phoenician cities in Persian imperial politics, tribute/taxes and their collection, lower-level bureaucrats, the administration of law, and the place of Judah (Yehud) among sub-provinces in the southern Levant.