Persian Empire

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?

Oldest Civilization Iron Technology Hebrews

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

Cambyses and Darius Cambyses (reigned 530-522 BCE) Son of Cyrus Conquered Egypt and used its wealth to fund more conquests Darius (reigned 521-486 BCE) Greatest Achaemenid rulers Brought Persia to its largest extent Great administrator

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

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

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 25-30 miles Parts of the roads were paved with stone

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Roads Imperial bureaucracy Tolerance of conquered people Zoroastrianism