Darius I - King of the Persians

Darius I, king of ancient Persia, ruled between 522 and 486 B.C.E.  Seizing power, after killing King Gaumâta, he fought a civil war before reestablishing the Achaemenid empire. 

A successful warrior, he expanded Persia's empire to its greatest extent.  His victories are commemorated in the Behistun Inscription.  At his death, he was succeeded by his son, Xerxes I.

In this photograph, we see Darius I on a relief originally located in Persepolis, on the north stairs of the apadana (audience hall).  It is now maintained in Tehran, at the National Archaeological Museum. 

Credits

Image online, courtesy Livius.