Satrap: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
satrap
[ หseษชtrรฆp ]
historical context
A satrap was a governor of a province in ancient Persia, responsible for the administration of a region. This official was appointed by the king of Persia and acted to uphold the interests of the empire, collecting taxes and maintaining order. The term also extends to other historical contexts, referring to local rulers or officials who maintain a degree of autonomy while serving a larger authority. The role of a satrap very much reflected the structure of governance in ancient empires, where local leaders were critical in managing extensive territories.
Synonyms
governor, lieutenant, ruler, viceroy.
Examples of usage
- The satrap controlled the wealth of the province.
- Histories describe how satraps communicated directly with the Persian king.
- Many satraps were tasked with quelling rebellions.
- The region flourished under a competent satrap.
Translations
Translations of the word "satrap" in other languages:
๐ต๐น satrapa
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคพเคคเฅเคฐเคพเคช
๐ฉ๐ช Satrap
๐ฎ๐ฉ satrap
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฐััะฐะฟ
๐ต๐ฑ satrapa
๐ฏ๐ต ใตใใฉใใ
๐ซ๐ท satrape
๐ช๐ธ sรกtrapa
๐น๐ท satrap
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌํธ๋ผํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุงุชุฑุงุจ
๐จ๐ฟ satrap
๐ธ๐ฐ satrap
๐จ๐ณ ่จ็นๆๆฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ satrap
๐ฎ๐ธ satrapi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐััะฐะฟ
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแขแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ satrap
๐ฒ๐ฝ sรกtrapa
Etymology
The term 'satrap' derives from the Old Persian word 'khshathrapฤv,' which combines 'khshathra' meaning 'kingdom' or 'power,' and 'pฤva' meaning 'protector' or 'guardian.' Initially used in the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550-330 BC), satraps were essential in managing the vast territories of the empire through a system of local governance that allowed for some autonomy while maintaining loyalty to the Persian throne. The Greek adaptation of the term as 'satrapฤs' further popularized its use in classical literature and history. Over time, the term began to be used more broadly to describe provincial governors in other contexts, even in regions outside of Persia, reflecting a model of governance that was replicated in various forms across different empires.