10/21/14 Journal: What are the three religions of China?

Agenda Ancient China Atlas (#54) Persia Reading (#55) Ancient Persia Empire Notes (#56) Ancient Persia Worksheet (#57) *****TEST on Tuesday OCTOBER 28*****

The Persian Empire

Geography At its peak, around 500 BC, the Persian Empire stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to India. About 2,500 miles across.

Origins Several central Asian tribes, including the Medes and Persians, united to defeat the Assyrians in 662 BC.

The Persians consolidated their power under king Cyrus (the Great).

Cyrus defeated many neighboring empires in battle and joined their territory with his.

Politics The thing that made Cyrus different from other conquerors, though, was that he treated the different tribes with respect.

They were allowed to keep their religious customs, so long as they paid tribute to Cyrus and give him troops when he needed them. – a tax that is paid by a subject to a sovereign.

He allowed religious toleration for the Jews. They rebuilt their temple in Jerusalem during his reign.

The Jews even called him “the anointed of the Lord.”

His forgiving nature was written out on the Cyrus Cylinder. It is an early example of propaganda.

Cyrus died around 530 BC, but remains respected by many cultures for his military ability and peaceful governing methods.

“O man, whoever you are and wherever you come from, for I know you will come, I am Cyrus who won the Persians their empire. Do not therefore begrudge me this bit of earth that covers my bones.”

Cambyses  next ruler, Cyrus’ son & conquered Egypt. – Not tolerant of other religions – REVOLTS!!!

Cambyses died after about 8 years in power and the throne passed on to Darius.

Darius put down the rebellions. Good administrator for such a large empire.

Darius also built a new capital city at Persepolis.

The Persian Empire was divided into 20 provinces, each ruled by a satrap, or governor, loyal to the emperor. Each province contained it’s own ethnic group and religious practices.

Bureaucracy: An organized structure and system of rules that is designed to carry out laws; government agencies.

At its peak, around 500 BC, 44% of the world’s population lived in the Persian Empire million out of million people.

Darius and his son Xerxes both tried to conquer Greece, but were defeated.

Fall of the Persian Empire The Persian Empire fell in 330 BC when it was taken over by Alexander the Great of Macedonia.

Economics and Trade Had access to trade routes in the Black Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

Darius organized a unified currency for the empire.

He also made Aramaic the official language of the empire, which simplified trade.

Darius build the Royal Road which stretched over 1600 miles. It had way stations every 20 miles or so.

Darius also created the first postal system.

10/23/14 How was King Cyrus of Persia’s treatment of conquered people different from other empires?

Agenda Finish Persia Notes Go over Journals: ****Journals DUE MONDAY BEFORE THE TEST**** Review for the test

Religion Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Persian empire, although other religions were tolerated.

Founded by Zoroaster around the year 600 BC.

EVIL GOOD Important beliefs Existence is basically a fight between good and evil and it is a human’s responsibility to maintain purity and avoid evil. Evil Good

People can stay on the good side of the gods by practicing the concept of Good Thoughts, Good Deeds, and Good Words.

It was a monotheistic religion, with Ahura Mazda as the supreme god. Ahura Mazda was the creator of the earth and protector of humans from evil forces.

Rituals and chants were designed to help purify the world in preparation for Judgment Day.

Much about this religion was learned from the Behistun Inscription in modern Iran.

Influence Zoroastrianism has influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ideas like heaven and hell, afterlife, judgment at death, and coming of a savior all have roots in Zoroastrianism.

There are still around 250,000 people practicing Zoroastrianism (mostly in India and Pakistan).

Achievements of the Persian Empire Economic – Made first large scale roads – First national currency – First postal system – System of weights and measures

Political – First bureaucracy – First global empire – First written constitution

Social – – Allowed religious freedom

Intellectual – – Created Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) – Foundation of numerous religions