1. The Persian Empire

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. Persia is in Modern Day Iran

6. Cyrus the Great

7. 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

8. 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

9. Satraps

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

14. How would the royal road enable a ruler to maintain power in the empire?