This is all pretty subjective because one person may have one type of a feeling about this extract, and the other person may have completely different feelings.
For me personally, this simile creates a gloomy mood. The simile 'the hollow halo it was in was like an icy crystal cup' creates a gloomy and cold atmosphere in my opinion.
Answer:
Cyrus was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and under his government, the Empire expanded vastly and conquered most of Western and Central Asia.
Cyrus the Great created the largest empire the world had ever seen. He reigned between 559 to 530 BC and was succeeded by Cambyses II.
Darius was an emperor of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. He came into power after overthrowing the monarch Bardiya.
His reign was met with endless rebellions which he always quelled.
He organized the empire by dividing it into provinces and put straps in charge over each province.
His reign brought about progress in Persian empire as he built road networks and introduced standard weights and measures.
He helped centralize the empire and unify it.
Would I look to Cyrus and Darius as role models as a leader of a vast empire in ancient times?
Yes, I would.
They were both great men of their time, Cyrus was a military genius and commander, Darius was great at administration by organising the empire and placing governors on each province, while making large roads for easier movement.
Usually what the meaning of the black cat is in the story if it’s really symbolic to a character and reminds them of a ptsd moment or a vision in the further future
