the achaemenid empire

THE THE ACHAEMENID ACHAEMENID

EMPIRE EMPIRE Persia - IranPersia - Iran

Eco/StingJrEco/StingJr

The First PersiansThe First Persians The empire of Persia arose in Iran around

the 6th century B.C.E. The Medes and the Persians migrated

from central Asia to Persia (SW Iran). For a time, they lived under Babylonian and

Assyrian rule. They were part of the larger Indo-European They were part of the larger Indo-European

migrations. migrations. They shared many traits with distant They shared many traits with distant

cousins, cousins, the Aryansthe Aryans.. They were mostly pastoralists. They were mostly pastoralists. They were organized into clans rather than They were organized into clans rather than

states.states. The The Medes and Persians Medes and Persians spoke Indo-spoke Indo-

European languages.European languages.


The Medes and the The Medes and the Persians Persians migrated from migrated from

central Asia to Persia (SW central Asia to Persia (SW Iran).Iran).


The Medes and Persians had considerable The Medes and Persians had considerable military power.military power.

They were expert equestrians like other steppe They were expert equestrians like other steppe people. people.

They were expert archers even on horses.They were expert archers even on horses. They often raided the people of Mesopotamia.They often raided the people of Mesopotamia. When the Assyrians and Babylonian empires When the Assyrians and Babylonian empires

weakened in the 6weakened in the 6thth century B.C.E., the Medes century B.C.E., the Medes and Persians launched their military campaign.and Persians launched their military campaign.


Cyrus The GreatCyrus The Great

580 – 529 B. C. E.

580 – 529 B. C. E.

Established first Persian Empire

Called Achaemenid after Cyrus’ clan.

The Greeks called him a “Law-Giver.”

A tolerant ruler he allowed different cultures within his empire to keep their own institutions.

The Jews called him “the anointed of the Lord.” (In 537, he allowed over 40,000 to return to Palestine from Babylon).

Established first Persian Empire

Called Achaemenid after Cyrus’ clan.

The Greeks called him a “Law-Giver.”

A tolerant ruler he allowed different cultures within his empire to keep their own institutions.

The Jews called him “the anointed of the Lord.” (In 537, he allowed over 40,000 to return to Palestine from Babylon).


Cyrus the GreatCyrus the Great Even though he broke the balance when he Even though he broke the balance when he

defeated the Medes, Babylonians, and defeated the Medes, Babylonians, and Lydians of western Asia, he was seen as a Lydians of western Asia, he was seen as a liberator of Babylon.liberator of Babylon.

He allowed local rulers to continue work He allowed local rulers to continue work under Persian direction. under Persian direction.

He died (530BC) in the battle with The He died (530BC) in the battle with The Sakas – occupied the northern steppe zone.Sakas – occupied the northern steppe zone.

His successors: His successors: Cambyses and Darius, Cambyses and Darius, extended the empire from Egypt in the extended the empire from Egypt in the west to the Indus River in the East.west to the Indus River in the East.


THE PERSIAN EMPIRETHE PERSIAN EMPIRE


The Reign of CambysesThe Reign of Cambyses

Advance Advance the the AchaemeniAchaemenid frontier d frontier down the down the Nile as far Nile as far as the First as the First CataractCataract


Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. C. E.)C. E.)Best organizer among Persian

kings

He extended the Persian Empire to the Indus River in northern India. (empire stretched 3000 mls)

Built new capital at Persepolis, 520 B.C.E. = most magnificent city in the empire

Best organizer among Persian kings

He extended the Persian Empire to the Indus River in northern India. (empire stretched 3000 mls)

Built new capital at Persepolis, 520 B.C.E. = most magnificent city in the empire


PERSEPOLISPERSEPOLIS


He He conquereconquered Egypt & d Egypt & built a built a canal in canal in Egypt Egypt connectinconnecting the Nile g the Nile and the and the Red Sea.Red Sea.


Qanat – system of Qanat – system of underground canalsunderground canals

Avoided excessive loss to evaporationAvoided excessive loss to evaporation


Persian “Royal Road”Persian “Royal Road” Build the Big Build the Big

network of roadsnetwork of roads Allowed for trade Allowed for trade

between different between different peoples/cultures in peoples/cultures in the empirethe empire

Allowed for easy Allowed for easy movement of movement of soldierssoldiers

Royal Road = Royal Road = longest road in the longest road in the empire empire had had stations along it so stations along it so travelers could get travelers could get food, water, and food, water, and fresh horsesfresh horses


Darius the GreatDarius the Great established a tax-collecting system.established a tax-collecting system.

divided the empire into 20 provinces called divided the empire into 20 provinces called satrapies ruled by a satrap= governorsatrapies ruled by a satrap= governor

established a complex postal system. Postal stations established a complex postal system. Postal stations with postal relay riderswith postal relay riders

Standardization of coins and laws Standardization of coins and laws

created a network of spies called “the king’s created a network of spies called “the king’s eyes and ears.”eyes and ears.” surprise audits to minimized surprise audits to minimized possibilities of local rebellionpossibilities of local rebellion

Military: largest in history until Romans, Chinese- Military: largest in history until Romans, Chinese- Common levies from each province, Persian cavalry; Common levies from each province, Persian cavalry; Persian Immortals: elite shock troops, Mercenaries Persian Immortals: elite shock troops, Mercenaries included Greeksincluded Greeks

established a tax-collecting system.established a tax-collecting system.

divided the empire into 20 provinces called divided the empire into 20 provinces called satrapies ruled by a satrap= governorsatrapies ruled by a satrap= governor

established a complex postal system. Postal stations established a complex postal system. Postal stations with postal relay riderswith postal relay riders

Standardization of coins and laws Standardization of coins and laws

created a network of spies called “the king’s created a network of spies called “the king’s eyes and ears.”eyes and ears.” surprise audits to minimized surprise audits to minimized possibilities of local rebellionpossibilities of local rebellion

Military: largest in history until Romans, Chinese- Military: largest in history until Romans, Chinese- Common levies from each province, Persian cavalry; Common levies from each province, Persian cavalry; Persian Immortals: elite shock troops, Mercenaries Persian Immortals: elite shock troops, Mercenaries included Greeksincluded Greeks


THE WARS WITH GREECETHE WARS WITH GREECE

The Persian Wars (500-479 B.C.E.) The Persian Wars (500-479 B.C.E.) – Ionian Greeks rebelled Ionian Greeks rebelled – Greek free city states sent aid to Greek free city states sent aid to

rebels rebels – Persian rulers put down rebellionPersian rulers put down rebellion

Darius invaded Greece to punish Darius invaded Greece to punish GreeksGreeks– He was defeated at Marathon at He was defeated at Marathon at

the hands of Athenians in 490 BC the hands of Athenians in 490 BC Xerxes (reigned 486-465 B.C.) Xerxes (reigned 486-465 B.C.)

Darius sonDarius son- tried to conquer Greece to expand the tried to conquer Greece to expand the

empireempire- Failed to defeat the GreeksFailed to defeat the Greeks


The Fall of the PersiansThe Fall of the Persians Differences between Persians and its subject Differences between Persians and its subject

peoples became too difficult to overcome.peoples became too difficult to overcome. Unfortunately, the tolerance for other traditions Unfortunately, the tolerance for other traditions

exhibited by Cyrus and Darius was not continued exhibited by Cyrus and Darius was not continued by Xerxes, the successor of Darius.by Xerxes, the successor of Darius.

His policies led to rebellions which culminated in His policies led to rebellions which culminated in the Persian Wars with Greece. A long period of the Persian Wars with Greece. A long period of warfare with Greek city-states resulted in warfare with Greek city-states resulted in “defeat” and decline. (Marathon & Thermoplyae)“defeat” and decline. (Marathon & Thermoplyae)


Alexander The GreatAlexander The Great

•In 334 B.C.E. Alexander invaded Persia with an experienced army of 48,000 Macedonians.

•The Macedonians were well-disciplined and carried heavier arms with more sophisticated military tactics.

•Alexander confiscated the wealth in the treasury at Persepolis, proclaimed himself heir to the Achaemenid rulers and burned the city.


ALEXANDEALEXANDER R

AND HIS AND HIS HEIRSHEIRS

The Seleucids EmpireThe Seleucids Empire– Inherited the largest part of the former Inherited the largest part of the former

Achaemenid empire Achaemenid empire – Retained the Achaemenid system of Retained the Achaemenid system of

administration administration – Met opposition from native Persians Met opposition from native Persians – Lost control over northern India and IranLost control over northern India and Iran

•After Alexander’s death:

•His chief generals divided the empire into three large realms which they divided among themselves:

•The Seleucids

•The Parthians

•The Sasanids


The ParthiansThe Parthians – Overthrew Selecuids in 238 BCEOverthrew Selecuids in 238 BCE

Based in Iran, extended to Mesopotamia Based in Iran, extended to Mesopotamia Retained some traditions of nomadic people Retained some traditions of nomadic people Formidable power of Parthian heavy cavalry becauseFormidable power of Parthian heavy cavalry because of alfalfa diet of horsesof alfalfa diet of horses Established a mighty empire through East SW Asia by Established a mighty empire through East SW Asia by

conquests conquests – Portrayed themselves as restorers of the Persian tradition Portrayed themselves as restorers of the Persian tradition

Followed the example of the Achaemenids in administration Followed the example of the Achaemenids in administration Clan leaders as satraps: potential threats for central Clan leaders as satraps: potential threats for central

government government – Opposed expanding Roman empire, 1st century C.E. Opposed expanding Roman empire, 1st century C.E. – Internal rebellion brought it down in the early 3rd century C.E. Internal rebellion brought it down in the early 3rd century C.E.

The SasanidsThe Sasanids – From Persia, claimed direct descent from the Achaemenids From Persia, claimed direct descent from the Achaemenids – Toppled the Parthians in 224 C.E., new capital at CtesiphonToppled the Parthians in 224 C.E., new capital at Ctesiphon– Government stronger, better organized, more absolute than Government stronger, better organized, more absolute than

Parthian Parthian – Traded throughout Arabia, SW Asia, Indian Ocean, Central AsiaTraded throughout Arabia, SW Asia, Indian Ocean, Central Asia– Devout Zoroastrians much opposed to early spread of Devout Zoroastrians much opposed to early spread of

Christianity Christianity – Battled the Kushan Empire in the east Battled the Kushan Empire in the east – Battled the Roman and Byzantine empires in the west, 3rd Battled the Roman and Byzantine empires in the west, 3rd

century C.E. century C.E. – In 651 C.E., the empire conquered by Arabs In 651 C.E., the empire conquered by Arabs


The Parthian and Sassanid Empires The Parthian and Sassanid Empires

247 B.C.E.-651 C.E.247 B.C.E.-651 C.E.


IMPERIAL SOCIETY, IMPERIAL SOCIETY, ECONOMYECONOMY

Social Development in Classical Persia Social Development in Classical Persia – Nomadic character of early Persian society Nomadic character of early Persian society

Similar to the Aryans in India Similar to the Aryans in India Importance of family and clan relationships Importance of family and clan relationships

– Imperial bureaucrats Imperial bureaucrats Needed educated bureaucrats Needed educated bureaucrats Shared power with warriors and clan leaders Shared power with warriors and clan leaders

– Free classes Free classes In the city: artisans, craftsmen, merchants, civil servants In the city: artisans, craftsmen, merchants, civil servants In the countryside: peasants - building underground canals (In the countryside: peasants - building underground canals (qanatqanat) ) Slaves in both cities and countryside Slaves in both cities and countryside

Economic Foundations of Classical Persia Economic Foundations of Classical Persia – Agriculture was the economic foundation Agriculture was the economic foundation

Main crops: Barley and wheat Main crops: Barley and wheat Supplemental crops: peas, lentils, mustard, garlic, onions, cucumber Supplemental crops: peas, lentils, mustard, garlic, onions, cucumber Large agricultural surplus Large agricultural surplus

– Trade Trade Commercial zone from India to Egypt Commercial zone from India to Egypt Political stability promoted growth of trade Political stability promoted growth of trade Standardized coins (Gold Darics were first in world), good trade routes Standardized coins (Gold Darics were first in world), good trade routes Specialization of production in different regions Specialization of production in different regions


PERSIAN RELIGIONPERSIAN RELIGION Zarathustra and his faithZarathustra and his faith

– Earliest Persian religion resembled that of the Aryans Earliest Persian religion resembled that of the Aryans – Zoroastrianism, emerged from teachings of Zarathustra Zoroastrianism, emerged from teachings of Zarathustra

The The GathasGathas – Zoroastrian teachings, transmitted orally, many perished Zoroastrian teachings, transmitted orally, many perished – Preserved later in writing, by Preserved later in writing, by magimagi – Compilation of the holy scriptures, Compilation of the holy scriptures, ZendZend AvestaAvesta, under Sasanid , under Sasanid

dynasty dynasty – Zarathustra's own writing survived, known as Zarathustra's own writing survived, known as GathasGathas

Zoroastrian teachings Zoroastrian teachings – Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six lesser deities Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six lesser deities – Cosmic conflict between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu Cosmic conflict between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu

(Ahriman, Shaitan) (Ahriman, Shaitan) – Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and

punishment punishment – The material world as a blessing The material world as a blessing – Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds

Popularity of ZoroastrianismPopularity of Zoroastrianism – Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites – Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God – The faith was most popular in Iran The faith was most popular in Iran – Sizable followings in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and other Sizable followings in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and other

regionsregions

Ahura Mazda“Holy Spirit”


Zend-AvestaZend-Avesta(The “Book of Law”)(The “Book of Law”)

The “Sacred Fire” the force to fight evil.The “Sacred Fire” the force to fight evil.


Extent of Extent of ZoroastrianismZoroastrianism

Extent of Extent of ZoroastrianismZoroastrianism


RELIGIONS OF SALVATION RELIGIONS OF SALVATION Zoroastrian community suffered during Alexander's Zoroastrian community suffered during Alexander's

invasion invasion Zoroastrianism was the official religion during Sasanid Zoroastrianism was the official religion during Sasanid

rule rule The Zoroastrians' difficulties The Zoroastrians' difficulties

– Extreme rivalries with Christianity (Orthodox, Monophysites)Extreme rivalries with Christianity (Orthodox, Monophysites)– Arabs conquered Sasanid empire, seventh century C.E. Arabs conquered Sasanid empire, seventh century C.E. – Some Zoroastrians fled to India Some Zoroastrians fled to India – Remaining Zoroastrians converted to Islam Remaining Zoroastrians converted to Islam – Few faithful Zoroastrians still exist in modern day Iran Few faithful Zoroastrians still exist in modern day Iran

Other faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, and Manichaeism Other faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, and Manichaeism Influence of Zoroastrians Influence of Zoroastrians

– Influence on Jewish religion: belief in future reward and Influence on Jewish religion: belief in future reward and punishment punishment

– Influence on Christianity: concepts of heaven and hell Influence on Christianity: concepts of heaven and hell – Later influenced Islam; one of Muhammad’s protected faithsLater influenced Islam; one of Muhammad’s protected faiths


• Well regarded in illustrations, monuments Well regarded in illustrations, monuments and various descriptionsand various descriptions

• Several Greek representations of Persian Several Greek representations of Persian warriors have emerged with evidence of warriors have emerged with evidence of Alexander Sarcophagus from SidonAlexander Sarcophagus from Sidon

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

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

Legacy of the Persian’s Legacy of the Persian’s Achaemenid EmpireAchaemenid Empire

MilitaryMilitary


TrainingTraining Trained and skilled in arts of the Trained and skilled in arts of the

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

At 20 their military careers At 20 their military careers beganbegan

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


Armor and TacticsArmor and Tactics• There were several There were several

symbols of Kingshipsymbols of Kingship• Battle axes and Battle axes and

advanced armor advanced armor were common in a were common in a Persian army and Persian army and Northern IraniansNorthern Iranians

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


Art and architecture : Art and architecture : PotteryPottery

• Pottery is one of the Pottery is one of the oldest Persian art oldest Persian art formsforms

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


METALMETAL

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


PaintingsPaintings• Earliest known distinctive Earliest known distinctive

style of Persian paintings style of Persian paintings dates back to the Seljuk dates back to the Seljuk period. period.

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

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


ArchitectureArchitecture• Persian architecture has made the greatest Persian architecture has made the greatest

contribution to the world’s culture. contribution to the world’s culture. • Although Persian architecture styles differ from Although Persian architecture styles differ from

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

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


Government Government The Persian government was built The Persian government was built

upon the Assyrian model. The system upon the Assyrian model. The system was more efficient and humane.was more efficient and humane.


Science and TechnologyScience and Technology• Some of the most sound roads and Some of the most sound roads and

portsports• A predecessor to the Suez Canal, A predecessor to the Suez Canal,

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

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

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