• 9/27 Focus: – The Persians formed one of the largest

and best governed empires in the ancient world and made great cultural achievements.

• Do Now: –Why were the Phoenicians known as

carriers of civilization?

The Persian Empire

Persian Empire

• Cyrus the Great– 559-529 BCE– Established the

Persian Empire • Extended from N.

Africa to India• Allowed people to

keep their customs

Persian Empire• Darius the Great– 522-486 BCE– Established large

network of roads• The Royal Road

– Created postal system

– Used a single currency

– Appointed governors to run sections of the empire• Called Satraps

Persian Empire• Zoroastrianism – Based on the

teachings of Zoroaster• Monotheistic Religion

– Belief in one god – God was named

Ahura Mazada• Good actions and

thoughts lead to immortality • Tolerant of other

religions