A satrap is a term used to describe an administrator or governor in ancient Persian empires. The title comes from the Old Persian word for "governor," and it was commonly used during the reign of King Darius I, who divided his vast kingdom into provinces ruled by local governors known as satraps. These officials were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and generally managing their province on behalf of the king. The term "satrap" is still used today to refer to any powerful ruler or governor, particularly in a political context.