How did Darius gain power?

Darius gained power through a combination of military prowess and strategic political maneuvering. Initially, he was one of the seven nobles who conspired to overthrow the usurper Smerdis, leading to the successful coup. Following this, he established himself as king by consolidating power, defeating rivals, and implementing administrative reforms that strengthened the Persian Empire. His legitimacy was further bolstered by his lineage, as he claimed descent from the Achaemenid dynasty.