PERSIANS
LOCATION
Indo-European Migration East of Fertile Crescent From Caspian Sea to Persian Gulf
PERSIAN CONTROL
Based on tolerance and diplomacy Supported by strong military
RESOURCES
Farmland Minerals
Copper Lead Gold Silver Blue Lapis Lazuli
ORIGINALLY
Kingdoms Dozens in the region Cyrus the Great unite into Empire
CYRUS THE GREAT
Size of Empire East of Indus River West of Anatolia Peninsula
CYRUS THE GREAT
550-539 BC conquered Empire
Military genius Tolerant rule Jews-Allowed to
return to Jerusalem Old Testament
Appears Conquer Egypt
RULERS AFTER CYRUS
Cyrus killed when he fought nomadic invaders
After his death, rulers had to unify the territories conquered by Cyrus
CAMBYSES
Conquered Egypt Scorned Egypt’s
religion Rebellion occurred
upon death
DARIUS
Noble in ruling class Established organized
government after revolt Conquered large area
for empire Unable to conquer
Greece
PEOPLE BRING GIFTS TO DARIUS
PROVINCES
Divided into 20 Provinces People practiced own religion Kept local languages and laws
IMPERIAL BUREAUCRACY
Type of government implemented Organization of people who controlled
the day to day working of the government
OFFICIALS
Absolute power to King Satraps-Governor of a Province Military Leaders Tax Collectors Inspectors-Eyes and Ears of King
UNITING THE EMPIRE
Built System of Roads Improved Communication Improved Trade
GATE OF ALL NATIONS
COINS
Standardized value through empire Promoted trade Money economy-goods for money
DARIUS III
ROYAL ROAD
1,677 miles Ran from Susa in Persia to Sardis in
Anatolia
ZOROASTRIANISM
EARLY PERSIAN RELIGION WITH A BELIEF IN THE FORCES OF GOOD AND EVIL
Zoroaster-Persian Prophet and Religious Reformer
TEACHINGS
Two Spirtual Armies Ahura Mazda-Truth and Light Ahriman-Evil and Darkness All souls judged at end of time Teachings similar to concepts in
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
AHURA MAZDA
AHRIMAN
PERSIAN LEGACY
Cultural legacy-preserved cultures Developed system of tolerant
government based on standard laws, coinage, and road building
SOLID = PERSIANDASHED = ASSYRIAN
Persian Empire vs. Assyrian Empire