The Assyrians and Persians Chapter 4 Lessons 2 and 3

Assyrians in Mesopotamia After Hammurabi, the Mesopotamian’s were conquered by the Kassites, who lived in modern day Iran, and the Assyrians After Hammurabi, the Mesopotamian’s were conquered by the Kassites, who lived in modern day Iran, and the Assyrians

Assyria located in Northern Mesopotamia located in Northern Mesopotamia wanted control of trade routes in SW Asia wanted control of trade routes in SW Asia empire covered SW Asia. empire covered SW Asia. Each land that was conquered had to pay a tribute to the Assyrian king. Each land that was conquered had to pay a tribute to the Assyrian king. Protection given by the Army. Protection given by the Army.

built a system of roads to bring people in the empire together. built a system of roads to bring people in the empire together. Eventually conquered by the Medes. Eventually conquered by the Medes.

Military Tactics Powerful Army Powerful Army Iron Swords Iron Swords Iron tipped spears Iron tipped spears War Chariots War Chariots After attacking cities, they slaughtered inhabitants. After attacking cities, they slaughtered inhabitants.

The Persians Came from modern day Iran. Came from modern day Iran. Also known as the Medes Also known as the Medes Cyrus the Great. Cyrus the Great. Powerful ruler Powerful ruler Wanted to conquer and unite lands around his empire. Wanted to conquer and unite lands around his empire. Persian Empire stretched nearly 1600 miles long Persian Empire stretched nearly 1600 miles long

How did the Persians differ from the Assyrians? Leaders such as Cyrus practiced policies of toleration. Leaders such as Cyrus practiced policies of toleration. Allowed leaders to remain in power. Allowed leaders to remain in power. Did not destroy homes. Did not destroy homes. Allowed people to keep their culture. Allowed people to keep their culture. Collected tributes Collected tributes Same as Assyrians. Same as Assyrians.

Darius Took over after Cyrus Took over after Cyrus Less tolerant. Less tolerant. Expanded Persian Empire. Expanded Persian Empire miles long 2800 miles long Divided empire into Provinces (Like states in the United States) Divided empire into Provinces (Like states in the United States)

Each province had a Satrap or governor. Each province had a Satrap or governor. Built the Royal Road to connect his empire Built the Royal Road to connect his empire After conquering the Lydian's, Darius copied their idea of minted Coins as a form of currency. After conquering the Lydian's, Darius copied their idea of minted Coins as a form of currency.