Persian Empire The Persian Homeland Modern day Iran

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Persian Empire

Persian Empire

The Persian Homeland • Modern day Iran • Great farmland • Rich in mineral

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

Cyrus the Great • Founded the Persian Empire – Conquered neighboring kingdoms in what

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

Processing • How was Cyrus the Great’s/Persia’s empire different form that of the Assyrians?

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?

Cambyses • Cyrus’ son, took over after Cyrus died • NOT a tolerant ruler,

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

Darius I • Was originally a royal bodyguard – Used the 10, 000 Immortals

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

Administration • The world’s largest empire was divided by Darius into 20 provinces •

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

Persian Achievements • Persian Empire thrived due to the Royal Road – 1, 600

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

Feats of Engineering

Feats of Engineering

Persian Religion • Zoroastrianism – Zoroaster: prophet (600 BCE) – Two armies fought over

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