Persian Empire Location Modern Day Iran Cyrus the

Persian Empire {

Location – Modern Day Iran

Cyrus the Great Founder of the Achaemenid Dynasty Conquered the Babylonians Founder of the Persians Empire

{ Ecbatana Summer Capital of Cyrus the great Capital Cities { Persepolis Ceremonial Capital of the Persians Made spectacular by Darius I. Descendant of Cyrus

Persepolis

Persian Columns

Persepolis Today

Managing the Empire

Persian Satrapies - Empire was divided into 20 sections - Each section had a Persian representative (Satrap)

Total religious freedom Preserve local customs Allow conquered people their own leaders and trade Maintain a fearsome army How do Control a Huge, Multi-Ethnic Empire

elite force of soldiers who fought for the Achaemenid Empire This force performed the dual roles of both Imperial Guard and standing army during the Persian Empire wicker shields, short spears, swords or large daggers, bow and arrow Always numbered 10, 000 Persian Army (the Immortals)

Persian Army

Zoroastrianism – State Religion of Persia 1500 BC Founded by Zoroaster Main God = Ahura Mazda A priest called a magi Persian Religion

Born Zarathustra/Zoroaster is his Greek name Born in Iran or Afghanistan Separates from Hinduism Has a vision at age 30 Age 42 leaves Iran and travels to Bactria (Afghanistan) Adopted by the king of Bactria Zoroaster dies in his 70 s Becomes a wide spread religion by the time of the Archaemenid dynasty Zoroaster

{ Ahura Mazda { Ahriman/Angra Mainyu Zoroastrian Deities

Started the idea of a Good God vs. a Bad God Ahura Mazda vs. Ahriman (Bad God) The idea of a place where the wicked are punished Shinbat Bridge Why is Zoroastrainism Important

Zoroastrian Temple

Zoroastrians developed the concept of worshipping in temples, sometimes called fire temples. The temples contain an inner sanctum (pavi) or platform where a fire is maintained or placed. This is because Zoroastrians face a source of light when they pray.

Many Zoroastrians will hurt themselves as an act of worship