Sardaranian Empire
Sardaranian Empire Xšāça | |
|---|---|
| 841 BCE–Around 250 BCE | |
| Religion | Ancient Erani cults, Mythraism, Zoroastrianism, monotheistic cults |
| Demonym(s) | Sardaranian |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Shahanshah | |
• 841 - 826 BCE | Sardaran the Great |
| Historical era | Antiquity |
• Established | 841 BCE |
• Conquered | Around 250 BCE |
| Currency | Daric |
The Sardaranian Empire was an ancient Erani empire based in present-day eastern Mansuriyyah, founded by Sardaran the Great. Ranging at its peak from the XXX to XXX, covering most of central and south Siduri. Incorporating various peoples of different origins and faiths, it is notable for its successful model of a centralized, bureaucratic administration through satraps under the Shahanshah, for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a professional army. The empire’s successes inspired similar systems in later empires such as the Makedonian.
The term Sardaranian comes from Old Erani Sardaran, which means Commander-in-Chief. It refers to the name of the founder of the dynasty, who lead a successful revolt against Assinari overlords in the 9th century BCE. Sardaranians frequently used the term Khshacha, meaning “The Empire”, to refer to their multinational state.
Eranis first settled in eastern Mansuriyyah in the 2nd century BCE, during the Erani expansion. Following the end of their empire, Erani settlers formed a number of small kingdoms, many of which fell under Assinari control around the year 1000 BCE. In the year 841 BCE, an alliance of Erani vassal kingdoms led by Sardaran put an end to Assinari dominance. The newfound alliance captured Marad in 837 BCE, which resulted in the eventual collapse of the Assinari Empire by 834 BCE.
Under the Sardaranians, trade was extensive and there was an efficient infrastructure that facilitated the exchange of commodities in the far reaches of the empire. Tariffs on trade were one of the empire’s main sources of revenue, in addition to agriculture and tribute.
The satrapies were linked by a 2,500-kilometer highway. The relays of mounted couriers could reach the most remote areas in 15 days. Despite the relative local independence afforded by the satrapy system, royal inspectors regularly toured the empire and reported on local conditions using this route.
The Sardaranian Empire left a lasting impression on the heritage and cultural identity of Siduri, and influenced the development and structure of future empires. The Sardaranian model of governance was particularly formative in the expansion and maintenance of the al-Bashiri Caliphate and the Rawwadid Sultanate, deriving much of theur support from Persian aristocracy and heavily incorporating Persian language and architecture into Islamic culture. Some historians regard Rawwadid society as a “reincarnation” of Sardaranian society, promoting a synthesis of culture and knowledge.