1. 3.3: The Assyrian and Persian Empires
How did the Assyrians and Persians become empires?

2. The Assyrian and Persian Empires
Assyrian were fierce warriors (cavalry)
Used iron weapons and tools

3. The Assyrian and Persian Empires
Empire stretched from Persian Gulf across Fertile Crescent into Egypt
Divided empire into 70 provinces (governor)
Ashurbanipal moved capital Ninevah (Library filled with 20,000 cuneiform tablets)
Nebuchadnezzar restored Babylon (Captured Jerusalem, Hanging Gardens)

4. Rise of Persian Empire Cyrus the Great conquered the Medes
Standing army
Captured Babylon (allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem)
Cyrus allowed the Jews to live in Jerusalem, while Nebuchadnezzar banished them

5. Rise of Persian Empire
Cambyses (son of Cyrus) took control and continued to increase size of empire
Darius took throne by force (continued to increase size of empire)

6. Rise of Persian Empire
The Assyrians became so skilled at fighting after the fall of the Babylonia because they had to fight many invaders.

7. Persia’s Government and Religion
Satrapies with local leaders
Tribute
Common currency
Roads
Zoroastrianism
The Persian ruler controlled the central government and local leaders controlled the local governments.

8. Persia’s Government and Religion
The Assyrian rulers were able to control an empire that stretched across the Persian Gulf and into Egypt by maintaining many unit of government.

9. Arts of Mesopotamia Stone seals marked ownership of an object
Carved statues
Relief sculptures
Stele

10. Rulers and Empires Ruler: Nebuchadnezzar Cyrus the Great
Darius the Great
Ashurbanipal
Empire:
Neo-Babylon
Persian
Assyrian