1. The Persian Empire
CHW 3M

2. The Start of an Empire
Beginning of Bronze age Indo-Europeans move into modern day Iran
split into two groups, Persian (south) Medes (north)
In 550 BC Cyrus the great units Persian tribes
defeats Media
continues to conquered “civilized world”

3. A Different Kind of King
Cyrus believed in order to keep control of his the new empire his new subjects had to be happy
cities were not destroyed
subjects were given religious freedom
allowed exhaled Jews to return to promised land from Babylon
Cyrus’ Legacy
In addition to building a grand Empire Cyrus’s the Great also a very efficient administrator.
set up law code
established empire wide system of weights, measurements and currency
established Aramaic as international language
completed canal from Nile to Red Sea
build huge sea fleet

4. A Multicultural Empire
Persian made distinction between conquering kingdoms and ruling kingdoms
power turned over to local governor (satrap)
kingdoms became provinces
when visited provinces King adopted customs of locals
Lead to an empire of many nationalities

5. The Persian empire was held together by an extensive network of roads
huge army
To pay for the massive empire subjects were taxed but it wasn’t burdensome. People could enjoy the administration of the empire and local economies grew
The system of government used in Persia would eventually be adopted by the Greeks and then the Romans

6. Belief Systems
Ancient Persian belief system was originally polytheists. Religious practices included
animal sacrifice,
lots of fire
drinking intoxicant
In 600 B.C. the prophet and teacher Zoroaster, founded a new religion, Zoroastrianism.
life is a conflict between good and evil
resurrection of the dead
final judgement where good triumphs.
Spiritual battle between the one good god, Ahuramazda and god of evil and darkness Ahriman
Zoroastrianism still practice in India by small group called Parsees