achaemenid empire (persia)

ACHAEMENID EMPIR

E

(PERSIA)

B Y H E A T H E R MC T A G G A R T , K I A N L O O , D A K O T A W

O N G , WA S S E M

E L - A G H A A N D Z A H R A P A L I WA L L A

THE LEGACY OF THE PERSIAN (ACHAEMENID) EMPIRE

550-330 BCE

MILITARY• Well regarded in illustrations,

monuments and various descriptions• Several Greek representations of

Persian warriors have emerged with evidence of Alexander Sarcophagus from Sidon

• Many Persepolitan representations, prove that the closer a nation was to the Persians

These life sized "Immortal Guard" in richly ornamental robes wear the twisted headband typical of native Iranians from Susa.

TRAINING• Trained and skilled in arts of the

chase (both afoot and on horseback), archery, throwing the spear and javelin, and of sustaining forced marches in unfriendly climate

• At 20 their military careers began• "Trained am I both with hands and

with feet. As a horseman I am a good horseman. As a bowman I am a good bowman both afoot and on horseback. As a spearman I am a good spearman both afoot and on horseback"

ARMOR AND TACTICS

• There were several symbols of Kingship

• Battle axes and advanced armor were common in a Persian army and Northern Iranians

• Using ditches and ramps became common in the face of an enemy

ART AND ARCHITECTURE : POTTERY

• Pottery is one of the oldest Persian art forms

• The “Animal Style,” which was big in the Persian culture first appeared in their pottery.

• Persian’s found metal was a more admiring and appreciative way to enjoy art, as well as its use. Some examples of metal-ware art were gilded silver cups and dishes decorated with royal hunting scenes from the Sassanian dynasty.

METAL

PAINTINGS • Earliest known distinctive style of Persian paintings dates back to the Seljuk period.

• Early paintings were used to decorate manuscripts and versions of the Holy Quran – which had been drawn from the same art style used for pottery.

• With that, you see pottery art derives from all over Persia.

ARCHITECTURE• Persian architecture has made the greatest contribution to the

world’s culture. • Although Persian architecture styles differ from any Islamic styles

today, they have influenced many building work through much of the Islamic world.

• Persian style of architecture also has influenced Islam, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India as well in structures all over their history.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY• Some of the most sound roads and

ports• A predecessor to the Suez Canal,

Darius the Great created a canal that connected the Red Sea to the Nile

• Saith King Darius: I am a Persian. Setting out from Persia, I conquered Egypt. I ordered this canal dug from the river called the Nile that flows in Egypt, to the sea that begins in Persia. When the canal had been dug as I ordered, ships went from Egypt through this canal to Persia, even as I intended. —Darius I

COUNTRIESNorth Africa• Egypt• Libya• Tunisia• Algeria• MoroccoEurope• Turkey• Armenia• Greece• Italy• Spain• Luxembourg

Asia• Afghanistan• China• India• Indonesia• Iran• Iraq• Jordan• Pakistan• Syria

GOVERNMENT The persian government was built upon the Assyrian model. The

system was more efficient and humane.

The empire was divided into twenty provinces, or satrapies. Each province was ruled by a governor called a satrap. The satraps ultimately we’re the eyes for the king.

• The Persian empire was the first to attempt to govern many different racial groups primarily based on the principles of equal responsibilities and the rights for all people. The Persian empire provided the modern world with traits and values which the society today carries out.

• The Government maintains the word only if the subjects paid their taxes and kept peace.

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