Iranian Studies

The Role of Salaries and Religious Donations in Consolidating Achaemenid Political Power: A Documentary Analysis of the Persepolis Tablets

Mahshid Khoddami; Hossein Badamchi

Volume 16, Issue 1 , May 2026, , Pages 1-18

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2026.408992.1392

Abstract

The present study examines the multifaceted role of wages and religious offerings in consolidating and reinforcing political authority within the Achaemenid Empire, with particular ... Read More The present study examines the multifaceted role of wages and religious offerings in consolidating and reinforcing political authority within the Achaemenid Empire, with particular emphasis on the ancient documentary evidence preserved in the Persepolis Fortification Tablets. The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms through which ritual and economic resources were distributed among social, administrative, and religious groups, and to evaluate the impact of these practices on the legitimacy, stability, and durability of the imperial power structure. The research data consist of the extensive corpus of Persepolis Fortification Tablets, which have been meticulously examined and systematically coded using a rigorous documentary analysis methodology. The findings reveal that the system of payments, rations, and ritual allocations functioned not merely as an economic mechanism but also as a strategic instrument for strengthening the loyalty, cooperation, and compliance of court officials, priests, and local elites throughout the empire. Furthermore, a detailed geographical and structural analysis of these documents demonstrates a deliberate and clear correlation between the central authority in Persepolis and the distribution of wages in subordinate regions, reflecting a sophisticated approach to administrative control and political governance. The results highlight the critical role of religious offerings and state-administered wages as essential tools employed by the Achaemenids to legitimize their rule, stabilize social hierarchies, and maintain imperial cohesion. By providing new insights into the interplay between economic, ritual, and political dimensions, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the organizational and ideological foundations of Achaemenid imperial power and offers a valuable perspective for reevaluating the empire’s economic and religious–political structures

Inscribing of Zoroaster's poems; Before or after Alexander's invasion?

Sorena Firouzi; Mahsa Veisi

Volume 14, Issue 4 , February 2025, , Pages 83-102

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2023.354928.1184

Abstract

Regarding the background of the inscribing of Zoroaster's poems, there are two general views: archaic and contemporary. The archaic view is documented in Pahlavi texts and reflected ... Read More

An Influence of Achaemenid Historiography on Historiography of Greek

Rozbeh Zarrinkoub; Yaser Malekzadeh

Volume 8, Issue 1 , August 2018, , Pages 57-74

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2018.68716

Abstract

Before coming Persians as conquerors to Asia Minor, Greek societies who lived in western Asia Minor had limited knowledge about Persian and Median culture and traditions. Their information ... Read More

The Seven Families of Achaemenid Period as Reflected in Textual and Archaeological Evidence: The Case Gobryas

Bahman Firuzmandi; Ali Bahadori

Volume 4, Issue 1 , August 2014, , Pages 17-36

https://doi.org/10.22059/jis.2014.52666

Abstract

It is the tribal structure of society and power with which one can explain many developments ... Read More

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Keywords = Achaemenids

The Role of Salaries and Religious Donations in Consolidating Achaemenid Political Power: A Documentary Analysis of the Persepolis Tablets

Abstract

Inscribing of Zoroaster's poems; Before or after Alexander's invasion?

Abstract

An Influence of Achaemenid Historiography on Historiography of Greek

Abstract

The Seven Families of Achaemenid Period as Reflected in Textual and Archaeological Evidence: The Case Gobryas

Abstract