Persia RAP prompt…In your opinion, what qualities (character traits) do good leaders possess? List at least 5 characteristics. The key to understanding Persia’s rise to greatness lies in the fact their rulers were capable individuals. World History I

WHI.4a Built on earlier Central Asian and Mesopotamian civilizations, Persia developed the largest empire in the world. How did Persia govern its empire?

Oldest Civilization Iron Technology Hebrews The Persians conquered group by group until they controlled everything from the margins of Greece, to Egypt, all of Mesopotamia, and all of the land between Mesopotamia and the margins of India. Iron Technology Hebrews

One concern for any ruler who is trying to govern a territory this large is COMMUNICATION. Persian rulers created a road system called the Royal Roads so they could send messages/orders/dispatch military, etc. to all parts of the empire quickly. Couriers (fancy name for mailmen) were trained to deliver messages from the emperor from one end of the empire to the other within a few short days.

In 539 B.C. Babylon fell to the Persian armies of Cyrus the Great, whose successors built the largest empire yet seen. Emperor Darius I (522–486 B.C.) divided the empire into satrapy or provinces, each under a governor. The Persians eventually controlled most of present-day Turkey, Iran, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. They were tolerant rulers who respected local customs, built roads, and codified laws.

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 WHI.4a Tolerance…they respected other cultures; people could keep their traditions/identity so groups often joined with the Persians willingly rather than face war with them. Imperial bureaucracy…a way of divided power/responsibilities because the emperor was 1 person in this huge empire…he could not rule it effectively without a solid system for managing it (think of a principal in a school…he has to know that kids are going to arrive to school safely, learn something, have medical care when needed, have lunch, etc…but he doesn’t do all of those things…he has a system in place where all of these responsibilities are divided)

Persians as rulers Road system Royal couriers delivered messages “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” -Herodotus Persians as rulers 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).

Royal Road System (Contd.) 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).

 Zoroastrianism helped to unite the empire.  In about 600 B.C. a new religion was taught by the Persian thinker Zoroaster. 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. (heaven or hell!!!)  Zoroastrianism helped to unite the empire. 

The Downfall of Persia Emperor Darius and his son, Xerxes, attempted to conquer Greece…they both failed There’s more about the wars w/ Greece in the Greece PPT. The Greeks DO NOT take control of Persia, they just defend themselves from the Persians. Alexander the Great eventually conquers Persia.

Imperial Bureaucracy Royal Roads & Couriers Persia Ancient Type Govt? of Religion Transportation Attitude Ancient Persia Imperial Bureaucracy Zoroastrianism Royal Roads & Couriers Tolerant of Conquered People Remember “RITZ” R: Royal Roads I: Imperial Bureaucracy T: Tolerance Z: Zoroastrianism

Persian Activities (Classwork Grade) You are King Darius. Write a letter to a modern day leader. In your letter you should briefly describe your system for governing then provide the leader with your expert advice in regard to running a nation effectively. At least 6 sentences. Create a timeline of important events in Persia’s history. Your timeline should include a minimum of 6 events in the correct chronological order. Focus on events that deal with military or political issues. You may use the textbook, notes online sources (list what sites you use). Etc.