What geographic features or civilizations do you recognize in the Persian Empire?

The Persians Allowed their subjects to keep their own language, religion, and laws Used fairness instead of fear and force Wanted their subjects to pay taxes and produce goods for trade Controlled an empire that stretched from the Indus River to Egypt and Asia Minor

Darius the Great Adopted the Lydian invention of coins to improve economy Divided empire into provinces and appointed Satraps (governors) to rule each province Created the Royal Road to help government send messengers, armies and to facilitate trade

The Royal Road Building this road allowed Darius’ messengers to make a trip across the empire in about 6 weeks (formerly it took 6 months!) Messengers rode in relay style switching horses every few miles (like the pony express)

Zoroastrianism Zoroaster (Zarathustra) was a Prophet Taught that there were 2 gods Ahura-Mazda - God of Light (goodness) – born on the solstice (calculated by the Persians as December 25th) God of Darkness (evil) If you obey the good god you will be rewarded with eternal Paradise If you obey the evil god you will be punished with eternal Torment

Faravahar - symbol of soul of a human that existed before his / her birth and after death (eternal soul)

Xerxes

Invasion of Greece