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Persian Empire

Persian Empire. Approximately 1400 BCE-330 BCE. Geography and Origin. Originated in the Zagros mountains of modern day Iran. Empire would stretch from the Eurasian steppes to Egypt and Ionian Greece (Anatolia/Turkey) to India. Conquered 3 of the 4 ancient River Valley Civilizations.

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Persian Empire

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  1. Persian Empire Approximately 1400 BCE-330 BCE

  2. Geography and Origin Originated in the Zagros mountains of modern day Iran. Empire would stretch from the Eurasian steppes to Egypt and Ionian Greece (Anatolia/Turkey) to India. Conquered 3 of the 4 ancient River Valley Civilizations. No natural boundaries to protect area from invasion Limited natural Resources Water Lumber Underground irrigation Large labor force

  3. Persian Empire Achaemenid Empire 550 BCE Ancient Iranian peoples Founded by Cyrus the Great (Shah of Persia) Ancient Iran, much of the Middle East and Turkey Medes and Persians defeat Assyrians Land/power/resources is brought into empire

  4. Politics • Capitals in Susa and Persepolis. • Used a system of governors known as “satraps” to control their vast empire. • Complex law code • Imperial Spies kept watch • “Kings of Kings” • Early emperors used a policy of propaganda and good will to conquer. • Presented themselves as liberators • Cyrus the Great freed the Jews, for example • The world’s first “Superpower’

  5. Military • Persian army focused on chariots, cavalry, and archers that could “blot out the sun” • Absorbed the militaries of conquered peoples. • Most importantly the Phoenician navy, the most powerful navy in the world at the time. • War elephants from India when they fight Alexander the Great • Lightly armored though, so the Greek hoplites will have an advantage.

  6. Persian Conquests Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes Expanded the Empire Darius to Indus River Valley Divided it into 20 satrapies, or provinces, each paying a tribute to Persia. Each satrapy was run by a centrally appointed satrap, or governor Appointed a separate military commander answerable only to him. Created cultural hearths Built imperial roads to connect major cities Created a common currency Large SPY network Known as the ‘king’s ears’ Reported back through the postal service Network of roads along which couriers could change horses at stations spaced a day’s travel apart.

  7. Economy • Vast amounts of wealth due to conquest. • Tribute and tax system meant steady stream of money. • Could outspent opponents. • i.e. the Greeks • Had standardized coinage, something they adopted from a conquered people, the Lydians

  8. Religion • Zoroastrianism • Heaven and Hell • attempt at unifying under the worship of one supreme god • Overall, a very tolerant empire religiously. • Nice to Jews, for example, liberating them from Babylon and sending them back to Judea to be good conquered peoples. Even paid to rebuild the Temple of Solomon. • Spread the first major monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism with it’s chief god, Ahura Mazda • Had good vs evil duality like other religions that would follow.

  9. Political Power and Organization (Shah) King was all-powerful Honored/revered Had a “cult of kings.” Women had some political power, but not the ability to govern. Sources show that women could voice opinions and did often, but had little sovereignty. Very stratified society below ruling class. Slaves, but they were treated relatively well and only taken from conquered places that resisted. Conquered peoples were strictly ruled Could practice native traditions/religions Pay at tribute to Shah first Used Propaganda to help gain support Jewish people were allowed to live in Jerusalem

  10. Interactions • Had a very large and successful empire • Adopted many of the customs of the people they conquered. • Their trade network and the stability they brought led to cultural diffusion. • But…..Greek city states don’t like to be controlled and Persians don’t like to be told no (this will be a problem…Greeks are smart and heavily armored) • Greek philosophy, military tactics, and learning will lead to Alexander the Great who will conquer the Persian empire.

  11. Arts and Innovation • Spread the idea of coining money • Their tribute system and system of satraps (governors) would not be rivaled (in the West) until the Roman Empire (and where do you think the Roman’s got the idea?). • Created elaborate palaces with gigantic columns and friezes (relief sculplture). • Erected giant mausoleums (graves). • Their art shows the incredible mixture of culture that their gigantic empire allowed.

  12. In what ways did the Persians differ from other ancient societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt and China? Explain Why.

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