FROM RIVER VALLEYS TO EMPIRES The Classic Civilization of Persia

Essential Questions: -What is the difference between a “river valley civilization” and an “empire”? -What factors led to the rise of Persia and what were its major accomplishments?

After thousands of years of civilization in river valleys, the world’s first empires appeared River valley civilizations were complex societies with advanced technologies, cities, specialized workers, writing, and institutions (religions and governments)

Like river valley civilizations, empires were advanced societies with well-organized, centralized governments The difference is that empires conquer and rule over a variety of formerly independent people “EMPIRE” defined: a group of several different nations or people united and ruled over by a monarch (like an emperor or king)

The nations that are ruled over obey and serve the mother country of the empire In the first ancient empire we learn about, the mother country of the empire was Persia

Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India Major Empires Han Dynasty in China Persian Empire Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India

Mesopotamia: River Valley to Empire The fertile soil and lack of natural boundaries (like mountains) in Mesopotamia led to the Mesopotamian civilizations being the target of frequent invasions and conquests

One of the most important ancient empires was Persia (present-day Iran)

The Persians grew into a powerful empire under Kings Cyrus and Darius

The “10,000 Immortals”: Persia’s elite fighting force With a powerful army, the Persians conquered Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India The “10,000 Immortals”: Persia’s elite fighting force

Persia’s religion was Zoroastrianism (based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster) This religion viewed life as a struggle between good and evil; the Persians believed in Heaven and Hell as consequences for how they lived their lives

Zoroastrianism influenced the views of the afterlife in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Whole universe was the battleground between the god of truth, light, and goodness and the god of darkness and evil. Those who led good lives would eventually go to heave, while those who were evil would be doomed to a fiery Hell.

The Persian Empire at its Height How did the Persians control such a massive empire?

PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL Persia controlled their lands in a variety of ways Persian kings were tolerant; they allowed conquered people to keep their languages and religions This kept the conquered people content and less likely to rebel

PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL Rather than destroying or looting conquered cities, King Cyrus would show respect for local customs As the mother country of the empire, the Persians were definitely in charge However, life was tolerable under Persian rule, so this made most conquered people content

THE PERSIAN EMPIRE AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS POWER At the centre of ancient Persian administration was the king, controlling a network of satraps (governors). As well as governing, satraps were responsible for securing tribute and delivering it to the royal palace. The Greek writer Herodotus reported that at one time Cilicia (in south-east Turkey) paid 500 talents of silver (about 14 metric tons) and provided 360 white horses, and Babylon and Assyria paid 1000 talents of silver (about 28 metric tons) and gave 500 boys to be eunuchs. King Darius divided the empire into twenty provinces, each one was ruled by a satrap (local governor)

PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL Satraps served as the “eyes and ears” of the Persian kings in their respective provinces PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL They collected taxes from the people of the provinces and informed the king of any uprisings

PERSIA’S ORGANIZED EMPIRE The Persians built a network of roads in order to collect taxes, improve communication (postal service), and facilitate trade throughout their empire Built 100s of miles of roads using gravel and stone. The Persian Royal Road was 1500 miles long with more than 100 stations holding fresh horses. Roads fostered a feeling of unity within the Empire. Darius est. a postal service to make communication easier. Couriers would carry letters over the new roads.

PERSIA’S ORGANIZED EMPIRE The Persians used metal coins with standardized values to help promote trade Metal coins with standardized values helped promote trade Persians were now able to move from bartering to a “money economy.”