The Persian Empire Preview Main Idea / Reading Focus Growth and Organization Map: The Persian Empire Quick Facts: Cyrus and Darius Zoroastrianism Faces of History: Zoroaster Persian Achievements

The Persian Empire Preview, continued Visual Study Guide / Quick Facts Video: The Impact of Judaism throughout the World

The Persian Empire Main Idea Reading Focus The Persians formed one of the largest and best governed empires in the ancient world and made great cultural achievements. Reading Focus Who shaped the growth and organization of the Persian Empire? What were the main teachings of Zoroastrianism? What were the most significant Persian achievements?

Growth and Organization Persia under the Medes Both Indo-European tribes Medes conquered Persians Persians allowed to keep their own leaders as long as they did not rebel Cyrus the Great Defeated Medes in 559 BC Expanded Persian Empire Freed Jews in Babylon Respected by those he conquered Darius I Crushed rebellion after death of Cyrus’s son Strengthened army, empire Ceremony and ritual Created satraps to help govern Persia in Decline Rule of Darius high point of Persian culture Son, Xerxes, failed to conquer Greece Last strong ruler of Persia

How did Persia grow and change under Cyrus and Darius? Analyze How did Persia grow and change under Cyrus and Darius? Answer(s): expanded rapidly under Cyrus; Darius also expanded the empire, organized empire into satraps, minted coins, built roads

Zoroastrianism During the reigns of Cyrus and Darius, a new religion called Zoroastrianism took hold, based on the teachings of Zoroaster. Ahura Mazda, source of good Ahriman, evil spirit Dualism = good and evil Free will The Avesta End of time Teachings Much of Persian Empire Darius worshipped Ahura Mazda Other religions discouraged The Greeks converted the Persians Zoroastrianism never completely disappeared Spread

What does Zoroastrianism teach about good and evil? Analyze What does Zoroastrianism teach about good and evil? Answer(s): that the world is controlled by dueling forces of good and evil; those who live good lives will be rewarded; the wicked will be punished

Persian Achievements Blended Culture Cyrus and Darius encouraged cultural unity Shared culture led to peace People worked together to improve empire Communication Network of high quality roads Royal Road = world’s first long highway Horseback messengers in shifts Art and Architecture Animals a common subject Persepolis, monument to Persia’s glory Greatest example of Persian architecture

How did Persian roads make communication faster and easier? Analyze How did Persian roads make communication faster and easier? Answer(s): roads linked cities; messengers could travel across empire in a few days

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