1. Foundations Timeline Before 10,000 BCEPaleolithic Age 10,000 BCE to 4000 BCENeolithic Age 4000 BCE to 500 BCEFirst Civilizations 500 BCE to 600 CEClassical Societies

2. What distinguishes the first civilizations from the Classical Societies? Early complex societies all depended on robust agricultural economies with surplus. This surplus enabled individuals to congregate in cities, where they devoted time to specialized tasks. Classical societies achieved high degrees of internal organization, extended their authority over extremely large regions, and developed influential cultural traditions, including the development of sophisticated architecture, legal and moral codes, and different organized religions.

3. Classical Societies: Persia

4. Who were the first Persians? Indo-Europeans from Central Asia – migrated from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf They shared many traits with distant cousins, the Aryans. They were mostly pastoralists. They were organized into clans rather than states.

6. Who were the first Persians? They were expert equestrians like other Steppe people. (Central Asia/Russian grasslands – domesticated horses) They were expert archers even on horseback. They often raided the people of Mesopotamia.

7. Who established the first empire in Persia? Cyrus the Achaemenid (clan name) ruled from 558-530 B.C.E. -from the mountainous region of SW Iran -called Cyrus the Shepherd by his contemporaries due to the region’s economy -conquered Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), central Asia, and Bactria (modern day Afghanistan).

8. Cyrus’s Persian Empire -Established first Persian Empire thru tolerance/diplomacy/resp ect for conquered cultures, religions -Within 20 years, his empire stretched from India to the border of Egypt. Cyrus’ Tomb – how does it compare/contrast to the tombs of other ancient rulers?

9. The Achaemenid Empire: the largest empire the world had ever seen!

10. Darius the Great (521-486 BCE) From Thrace (Macedonia) to the Indus River in the East to the First Cataract of the Nile River! Empire’s total population: 35 million of over 70 different ethnic groups! A great administrator than conqueror. Established an Imperial Bureaucracy that provided for communication throughout.

11. Darius’ capital: Persepolis Centralized administration Nerve center of the Persian Empire: advisors, diplomats, translators and bureaucratic officers Monument to Achaemenid Dynasty: –Reception halls/Royal residences/Military quarters/treasury

12. Persepolis: Aerial View

13. The political structure of Darius’s Empire Balance between strong central power and local administration Governors (satraps) were appointed to oversee the Twenty-Three Provinces. Most satraps were Persian but local officials were recruited for administrative posts below satrap. Satraps had military officers and tax collectors “checking” their power

14. Economic Strength of the Empire How do you establish a larger economy? Darius standardized coins which encouraged trade. Construction of the Royal Road. –Parts were paved with stone. –Stretched 1600 miles from Anatolia, through Mesopotamia to the capital of Persepolis in Iran. –It took caravans 90 days to travel this road, lodging at inns along the well-protected route.

15. Persian Couriers & The US Mail! Courier service with 111 postal stations 25 to 30 miles apart on the Royal Road –Could carry a message from one end of the Empire to the other in 2 weeks! Each station had a supply of horses for couriers. This system facilitated rapid communication and trade with various regions. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of the appointed rounds” – Herodotus (Also appears above the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue – unofficial “motto” of the US Postal Service!)

16. Persian Classical Society Family and clan relationships were extremely important in political and social affairs. Male warriors were the head of the clans. The development of a cosmopolitan empire complicated this structure.

17. The Power of the Bureaucrats! Imperial administration called for a new class of educated bureaucrats. This undermined old warrior elite. Persian cities were home to administrators, tax collectors, record keepers, translators, and high ranking officials. Bureaucrats shared power with warriors and clan leaders.

18. Persian Classical Society Clan Leaders and Bureaucrats Free Classes Artisans Craftsman Merchants Priests and Priestesses Low ranking civil servants Slaves – widening gap between rich/poor – debt gets you slavery! Conquered people as well!

19. Technological Advancement Qanat – underground canals allowed cultivators to distribute water to fields without losing large quantities to evaporation through exposure to the sun and open air. System was maintained by slaves and laborers in the countryside.

21. The Persian Diet Agriculture was the foundation. (Barley/Wheat most common crops) Resources from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia and northern India helped Persia prosper. Peas, lentils, garlic, onions, pomegranates, pears, and apricots supplemented the cereals in diets. Beer and wine were the most common beverage.

22. Cosmopolitan Persia! From India: gold, ivory, aromatics From Iran and Central Asia: lapis lazuli, turquoise and other stones From Mesopotamia: textiles, mirrors and jewelry From Anatolia: gold, silver, iron, copper and tin From Arabia: spices and aromatics From Egypt: grain, linen textiles, papyrus writing materials, gold, ebony, ivory From Greece: oil, wine, and ceramics

23. Persian Religion: Zoroastrianism Attempt to address moral questions in a cosmopolitan world. Zarathustra, priest from aristocratic family, left family at 20 years of age to seek wisdom. He experienced visions and became convinced that the supreme god had chosen him as a prophet to spread message.

24. What were The Gathas? Originally transmitted orally by magi (priests) they are the teachings and doctrines of Zoroastrianism In writing, the holy book became known as the Avesta

25. What were the basic beliefs of Zoroastrian? Explored battle between good (Light) and evil (Darkness), as well as judgment for individual’s actions determine afterlife. Encouraged enjoyment of earthly pleasures in moderation. Moral standards, judgment, and concept of good vs. evil influenced Christian, Jewish, and Islamic teachings Very popular in 6 th Century BCE: Darius associated with Ahura Mazda (supreme deity) for his divine right to rule!