Satraps were provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, particularly during the time of the Achaemenid dynasty. They were responsible for overseeing the administration, tax collection, and military defense of their regions, known as satrapies. Each satrap acted as the representative of the king, ensuring loyalty and order within their territory. The role of a satrap was crucial for maintaining the vast Persian Empire, which stretched across diverse cultures and geographies. They had considerable autonomy but were required to report directly to the king, often using a network of spies to monitor their activities and prevent rebellion.