Rise of Persia Persian Homeland- Medes- Modern-Day Iran, Persia was their neighbor to the South – They originated from Indo-European peoples from the Caucasus Mtns. The Medes were first to hold positions in power but joined forces with the Persians to rid themselves of the Assyrians c. 600 B.C. About 50 years later Cyrus became the first of the Achaemenid Line to take the Persian Throne.

Cyrus the Great Cyrus assumed the Persian throne in 550 B.C. Within 11 years he controlled the Fertile Crescent and most of Anatolia He was considered a military genius utilizing his army, hardy mountain ponies, and short bows from the Russian steppes. But his main legacy was his method of governing. He was known for his tolerance and kindness towards those he conquered. His armies were expressly forbidden to loot and burn cities, and he honored local customs and religious observances, often kneeling at their temples to pray. He was killed fighting nomadic invaders on the eastern border of his empire

Persian Rule- Cambyses & Darius Cambyses- Cyrus’s son, conquered Egypt Type of leader-NOT like his father, scorned Egyptian religion, ordering their gods’ images burned died after 8 years (Darius said suicide, Herodotus says he fell off his horse) Successful?Sort-of he expanded the territory but his style of rule left a wake of rebellions in his death Darius – was a noble and member of the King’s Guard He seized the throne when there was a dispute regarding Cambyses’ brother Took power c. 521 and spent three years putting down revolts Extended the empire to over 2500 miles- wanted to take Greece, but never managed it… His style of administration was his legacy

Darius’s Administration Divided the empire into 20 Provinces-centered around the ethnic groups he conquered – they were able to maintain their religions and cultures, often maintaining their own laws But he was still an Absolute Ruler Satraps—local governors, often from the same ethnic background, but would also employ inspectors, military leaders and a tax collector for each province Royal Road and common currency increased trade and ease of travel/communication

Zoroastrian Religion Eternal question- Why is there so much suffering in the world? Zoroaster- Persian prophet c. 600 B.C. told of 2 spiritual armies fighting for people’s souls. People’s choices determined their fate- either a fiery pit or paradise. Many connections to other world religions.