PERSIANS

LOCATION

Indo-European Migration East of Fertile Crescent From Caspian Sea to Persian Gulf

PERSIAN CONTROL

Based on tolerance and diplomacy Supported by strong military

RESOURCES

Farmland Minerals

Copper Lead Gold Silver Blue Lapis Lazuli

ORIGINALLY

Kingdoms Dozens in the region Cyrus the Great unite into Empire

CYRUS THE GREAT

Size of Empire East of Indus River West of Anatolia Peninsula

CYRUS THE GREAT

550-539 BC conquered Empire

Military genius Tolerant rule Jews-Allowed to

return to Jerusalem Old Testament

Appears Conquer Egypt

RULERS AFTER CYRUS

Cyrus killed when he fought nomadic invaders

After his death, rulers had to unify the territories conquered by Cyrus

CAMBYSES

Conquered Egypt Scorned Egypt’s

religion Rebellion occurred

upon death

DARIUS

Noble in ruling class Established organized

government after revolt Conquered large area

for empire Unable to conquer

Greece

PEOPLE BRING GIFTS TO DARIUS

PROVINCES

Divided into 20 Provinces People practiced own religion Kept local languages and laws

IMPERIAL BUREAUCRACY

Type of government implemented Organization of people who controlled

the day to day working of the government

OFFICIALS

Absolute power to King Satraps-Governor of a Province Military Leaders Tax Collectors Inspectors-Eyes and Ears of King

UNITING THE EMPIRE

Built System of Roads Improved Communication Improved Trade

GATE OF ALL NATIONS

COINS

Standardized value through empire Promoted trade Money economy-goods for money

DARIUS III

ROYAL ROAD

1,677 miles Ran from Susa in Persia to Sardis in

Anatolia

ZOROASTRIANISM

EARLY PERSIAN RELIGION WITH A BELIEF IN THE FORCES OF GOOD AND EVIL

Zoroaster-Persian Prophet and Religious Reformer

TEACHINGS

Two Spirtual Armies Ahura Mazda-Truth and Light Ahriman-Evil and Darkness All souls judged at end of time Teachings similar to concepts in

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

AHURA MAZDA

AHRIMAN

PERSIAN LEGACY

Cultural legacy-preserved cultures Developed system of tolerant

government based on standard laws, coinage, and road building

SOLID = PERSIANDASHED = ASSYRIAN

Persian Empire vs. Assyrian Empire