2. What is an Empire?
An empire is a political unit in which a number of peoples or countries are controlled by a single ruler
Examples of empires: Roman Empire, British Empire, Russian Empire, Mongol Empire, Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire
What is the main purpose of an empire?
Is the United States an empire?

3. Where was the Persian empire Located?
At its peak, it stretched from Egypt in the west, through the Middle East, to Central Asia and into today's Pakistan in the east.

4. Persian Government King Cyrus (the Great) Came to power in 550BC
All who I have conquered – if you honor me as your king, your traditions and beliefs will be respected.
King Cyrus (the Great)
Came to power in 550BC
Treated conquered people fairly
Honored their local customs and religions
Allowed people to live their lives as they had before

5. Notice how plain his tomb is?
Tomb of Cyrus died in 530 BC
Notice how plain his tomb is?

6. I really hate those Greeks!
King Darius
The Ten Thousand Immortals helped Darius seize power
Ruled much the same as Cyrus had
Established an efficient and well- organized government
Divided Persia into 20 provinces
Called satrapies (like states)
Each ruled by a satrap (governor)
Empire extended over 2,500 miles but could never conquer the Greeks in the west (more on this later…”This is Sparta!!!!!!!!!!!”)
I really hate those Greeks!

7. Did you notice Greece is not part of his empire!?!?

8. PersiaN Technology Pottery Used bronze and iron Chariots
System of roads – the Royal Road
Postal system
Used coined money

9. Persian Religion Called Zoroastrianism 2 armies fighting for your soul
I’m not!
I’m the good one!
Called Zoroastrianism
2 armies fighting for your soul
Similar to some monotheistic religions (like Christianity) in ways:
- Belief in the final judgment
- Concept of heaven/hell
2 gods:
Ahura Mazda (good)
Ahriman (bad)