The Persians Babylon fell to Persian armies led by Cyrus the Great. He conquered the largest empire yet seen.

Recap Road System – ROYAL ROAD SYSTEM

Is Persia east or west of the previous civilizations we have studied?

He pursued a policy of tolerance (acceptance) of people he conquered He pursued a policy of tolerance (acceptance) of people he conquered. (He accepted their customs and religious traditions)

Built on earlier Central Asian and Mesopotamian civilizations Developed the LARGEST empire in the world Persians developed an imperial bureaucracy

Emperor Darius Built great system of roads that stretched 1600 miles. Originally had a barter economy but eventually switched to coins. (money economy)

Had standing army of professional soldiers. At the army’s core was a cavalry of 10,000 and infantry of 10,000. Called the Immortals.

After Darius kings became more isolated. Increased taxes. Many bloody struggles for throne which weakened the empire. Eventually Persians were conquered by Alexander the Great.

Persian Religion - Zoroastrianism Polytheistic Eventually a leader named Zoroaster emerged in 600 BC - began Zoroastrianism. Taught there were two opposing forces in world - good and evil. Sacred text was the Zend Avesta.

Good was represented by the god Ahuramazda. Evil was represented by Ahriman.