1. Persian Empire

2. The Persian Homeland Modern day Iran Great farmland
Rich in mineral resources
Copper, lead, gold, silver, blue lapis

3. Cyrus the Great Founded the Persian Empire
Conquered neighboring kingdoms in what is today Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and Anatolia
Different from the Assyrians
Establishment of tolerance of conquered peoples
No looting and burning of cities
Honoring of local customs and religions
Freedoms granted after conquests

4. Processing
How was Cyrus the Great’s/Persia’s empire different form that of the Assyrians? Give at least 2 examples.
How was Cyrus important to Judaism?

5. Cambyses Cyrus’ son, took over after Cyrus died
NOT a tolerant ruler, died 8 years later and left behind a weakened empire

6. Darius I Was originally a royal bodyguard
Used the 10,000 Immortals (bodyguard army) to take control
Expanded Empire to 2,500 miles (p.94)
India to Anatolia and Egypt
Unable to defeat the Greeks

7. Administration
The world’s largest empire was divided by Darius into 20 provinces
Each province was ruled by a satrap appointed by Darius

8. Persian Achievements Persian Empire thrived due to the Royal Road
1,600 mile road improved communication and transportation leading to more trade
Circulation of coined money—standard for entire empire

9. Feats of Engineering

10. Persian Religion Zoroastrianism Zoroaster: prophet (600 BCE)
Two armies fought over a person’s soul
Ahura Mazda: god of truth and light
Ahriman/Ahura Mainyu: god of evil and darkness
“Judgment Day” at the end of one’s life
Paradise….or a fiery pit, depending on how you lived your life
Holy Book: Avesta