Women's Political and Economic Role in The Empire of Achaemenid

Abstract

Women played a significant role in the political and economic realms of the Achaemenid Empire. This role is due to the rights given to women by Zoroastrianism and later institutionalized into law within the empire's constitution. This allowed women to actively participate in political decision-making and engage in economic activities of their society. Within the royal palace, women wielded considerable power and influence, often serving as key figures in the ascension of kings to the throne. Therefore, when someone became king with the support of his mother or sister or queen, he could not disobey the queen or mother or sister during his reign. Moreover, women in the palace and among the Persian dynasties formed their own groups, safeguarding their economic interests and political positions. The groups have often been used to spy, kill and oppose those who have acted against the interests and orders of senior women Thus, any discussion of the political and economic field of the Achaemenid state would be incomplete without acknowledging the pivotal role and influence of women within these spheres.