Persia Lies between Mesopotamia and central Asia. Subject to various invasions and migrations from the east People were Indo-European Had strong military emphasis and tradition 600 BCE Began conquests throughout the regions that led to 1000 year empire.

The Achaemenid Empire Cyrus – Achaemenid leader ruler who conquered a vast region between India and Egypt by 530 BCE Killed in battle… His son (Cambyses) gained Egypt.

Darius Kinsmen of Cyrus Extended empire into Northwest India and western shore of the black sea

Darius’ Administration Built new capital at Persepolis Sophisticated bureaucratic system Set up local and central governments Satrapies – Provinces within Persia Had standardized taxes and coinage Developed sophisticated road network allowing for enhanced trade and communication Persian Royal Road – stretched 1600 miles from the Aegean Sea to Iran.

Fall of the Achaenamid Empire Darius’ successor was Xerxes (300) Xerxes not tolerant of other traditions in ruled areas Xerxes’ policies led to rebellion Persian Wars (300) – Long period of warfare with Greek city- states, resulted in defeat. 334 BCE – Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Peria and defeated the Persians Persia divided into three regions as a result and given to Alexander’s generals.

Fall of the Empire Arabs eventually overcame Persia and Alexander’s generals. 651 C.E. Persian government traditions trickled over into Arab culture

Persian Society High Priests and Priestesses Bureaucrats (Tax Collectors and record keepers) Translators Free Classes (Craftsmen, artisans, merchants, civil servants, low priests and priestesses, peasants, land cultivators) Slaves (Prisoners of war, debtors)

Persian Economy Agriculture good despite arid climate: Cereal grains, fruits, and vegetables Trade great because of location between eastern and western Asia Long distance trade