The Empires of Persia Persia Lies between Mesopotamia

The Empires of Persia

Persia �Lies between Mesopotamia and central Asia. �Subject to various invasions and migrations from the east �People were Indo-European �Had strong military emphasis and tradition � 600 BCE �Began conquests throughout the regions that led to 1000 year empire.

The Achaemenid Empire �Cyrus – Achaemenid leader ruler who conquered a vast region between India and Egypt by 530 BCE �Killed in battle… His son (Cambyses) gained Egypt.

Darius �Kinsmen of Cyrus �Extended empire into Northwest India and western shore of the black sea

Darius’ Administration �Built new capital at Persepolis �Sophisticated bureaucratic system �Set up local and central governments �Satrapies – Provinces within Persia �Had standardized taxes and coinage �Developed sophisticated road network allowing for enhanced trade and communication � Persian Royal Road – stretched 1600 miles from the Aegean Sea to Iran.

Fall of the Achaenamid Empire �Darius’ successor was Xerxes (300) �Xerxes not tolerant of other traditions in ruled areas �Xerxes’ policies led to rebellion � Persian Wars (300) – Long period of warfare with Greek citystates, resulted in defeat. � 334 BCE – Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Peria and defeated the Persians � Persia divided into three regions as a result and given to Alexander’s generals.

Fall of the Empire �Arabs eventually overcame Persia and Alexander’s generals. � 651 C. E. �Persian government traditions trickled over into Arab culture

Persian Society �High Priests and Priestesses �Bureaucrats (Tax Collectors and record keepers) �Translators �Free Classes (Craftsmen, artisans, merchants, civil servants, low priests and priestesses, peasants, land cultivators) �Slaves (Prisoners of war, debtors)

Persian Economy �Agriculture good despite arid climate: �Cereal grains, fruits, and vegetables �Trade great because of location between eastern and western Asia �Long distance trade