PERSIAN EMPIRE n The largest empire in the

PERSIAN EMPIRE n The largest empire in the world (at the time) n It stretched from The Nile to the Indus River n Persia: Present-day Iran

Persia is in Modern Day Iran

The Persian Empire

How did Persia govern its Empire?

Persian Rulers n Treated conquered people with tolerance n Developed an imperial bureaucracy n Built an extensive road system n Zoroastrianism (religion)

Tolerance n Persian rulers allowed the people they conquered to practice their own religions and follow their own customs.

n Bureaucracy A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials n Darius divided his empire into provinces each run by a governor (satrap)

Persian Road System n Great Royal Road n United the empire (provided a means of communication, trade, and governmental control).

Zoroastrianism n Early monotheistic religion founded by Zoroaster n Belief in two opposing forces: good and evil, light and darkness, heaven and hell.

Extent of Zoroastrianism

Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil Ahura Mazda “Holy Spirit” Ahriman “Destructive Spirit”

Cyrus the Great § A tolerant ruler he allowed different cultures within his empire to keep their own institutions. § The Greeks called him a “Law-Giver. ” § The Jews called him “the anointed of the Lord. ” (In 537, he allowed over 40, 000 to return to Palestine). 580 – 529 B. C. E.

Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. C. E. ) § Built Persepolis. § He extended the Persian Empire to the Indus River in northern India. (2 mil. s. q. mi. ) § Built a canal in Egypt.

Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. C. E. ) § Established a tax-collecting system. § Divided the empire into districts called SATRAPIES. § Built the great Royal Road system. § Established a complex postal system. § Created a network of spies called “the King’s eyes and ears. ”

Cyrus, Darius, Persepolis n http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=y. Zlqgt d. Qo. Ho