1. Persian Empire

3. Persia would develop out of Iran around the same time as Mesopotamia.
WHI.4a
Built on earlier Central Asian and Mesopotamian civilizations, Persia developed the largest empire in the world.
Consisted of the Achaemenids, Seleucids, Parthians, and Sasanids empires. Empire lasted for a 1,000 years
Persia would develop out of Iran around the same time as Mesopotamia.
How did Persia govern its empire?

4. Oldest Civilization
Iron Technology
Hebrews

5. Cyrus the Shepard Excellent leadership skills and military strategist
Laid the foundation of the Persian Empire
Mortally wounded before he could take over Egypt

6. Cambyses and Darius Cambyses (reigned 530-522 BCE) Son of Cyrus
Conquered Egypt and used its wealth to fund more conquests
Darius (reigned BCE)
Greatest Achaemenid rulers
Brought Persia to its largest extent
Great administrator

7. Persians as rulers Tolerance (acceptance) of conquered peoples
King Cyrus did not allow his soldiers to loot or burn cities as they were conquered
He also freed the Jews to return to their homeland (Jerusalem)
Emperor Darius I developed an imperial bureaucracy
Territory was divided in provinces; each ruled by a satrap
Appointed “Kings Eyes & Ears,” Army leaders, and tax collectors
Road system
Royal couriers delivered messages
WHI.4a
Roads = 1,677 miles in length. There were 111 posts/relay stations spaced 15 miles apart, similar to the American Pony Express system. Other roads branched off the main roads to other parts of the empire. Royal messengers could travel the road on 7 days…other travelers would have moved slower (maybe 3 months for a caravan).
“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” Herodotus

8. Satraps 23 satrapies (districts)
Appointed governors of conquered areas to serve as loyal representatives from the Persian government
“kings eyes and ears”
Spies that collected intel and reports on satrap loyalties

9. Royal Roads
Improved communications, facilitated trade which brought the entire empire into a one economy
1,600 miles, caravans took 90 days to travel the length, postal stations every miles
Parts of the roads were paved with stone

10. Decline of the Achaemenid Empire
Alexander the Great would conquer Persia in 334 BCE
Achaemenid empire fell leading to the Seleucid, Parthian, and Sassanid Empires
Persian culture remained

12. Persian Society and Economy
Economic structure
Agriculture – barley and wheat
Trade increased due to stability and uniform coins
Traded with India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece
Social structure
Elite – educated bureaucrats
Free classes
Artisans, merchants, priests
peasants
Slaves
Manuel labor or domestic servants

13. Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism was the main Persian religion, although other religions were tolerated.
Practice of Zoroastrianism
Official religion of Persia
Belief in two opposing forces in the universe

14. Zoroastrianism
According to this religion, a single wise god named Ahura Mazda fought a constant battle with the prince of lies and evil.
Each individual would one day have to choose between them.
On a final judgment day, each person will be judged for his or her actions in life.

15. Beliefs of Zoroastrianism
Smallest religion today (190,000)
believe that fire is pure God's light or wisdom
pray several times a day
Holy Scriptures is called The Avesta

16. The Downfall of Persia
Emperor Darius and his son, Xerxes, attempted to conquer Greece…they both failed

17. Persia
Ancient
Bureaucracy
Imperial
Zoroastrianism
& Couriers
Royal Roads
Tolerant of
Conquered
People

18. Roads
Imperial bureaucracy
Tolerance of conquered people
Zoroastrianism