Satrap

A satrap was a governor in ancient Persia, responsible for administering a province, or satrapy, within the vast Persian Empire. Appointed by the king, satraps maintained order, collected taxes, and enforced royal policies. They had a degree of autonomy to govern their regions but were expected to report directly to the king and ensure loyalty to the empire. The system allowed the Persians to manage a diverse and expansive territory, balancing local needs with central authority. The term has since come to symbolize regional governance under a central power in various historical contexts.