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The Persian Empire
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Aim: How did the Persians build and maintain a tremendous empire
Aim: How did the Persians build and maintain a tremendous empire? What is Zoroastrianism? What were their contributions to history?
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The Rise of Persia The Persians based their empire on tolerance and diplomacy. They relied on a strong military to back up their policies. Ancient Persia is where Iran is today.
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Persia is in Modern Day Iran
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Cyrus the Great
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Cyrus’s Empire 550 BC – Conquered several neighboring kingdoms
Military genius Controlled an empire spanning 2000 miles Kindness toward conquered people Honored local customs and religions 538 BC - Allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, Jerusalem Considered by the Jews to be one of God’s anointed ones
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How did Cyrus keep control of such a vast empire?
Broke Empire down into provinces Royal Governors = Satraps They were loyal to the Emperor and did his bidding. Use of standardized metal coins promote trade and unify the empire
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Satraps
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Zoroastrianism The Gathas
Zarathustra's own writing survived, known as Gathas Compilation of the holy scriptures, Zend Avesta, under Sasanid dynasty Zoroastrian teachings Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six lesser deities Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and punishment The material world as a blessing Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds Popularity of Zoroastrianism Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God
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Zoroastrianism Influence of Zoroastrians Influence on Jewish religion: belief in future reward and punishment Influence on Christianity: concepts of heaven and hell Later influenced Islam; one of Muhammad’s protected faiths
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The Royal Road 1,677 miles long with 111 relay stations
Other smaller roads branched off the royal road Relay stations had rest areas and fresh horses. The entire royal road could be traveled in a week by a horsemen Caravans took about a month
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How would the royal road enable a ruler to maintain power in the empire?
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