Splash Screen

The Persian Empire Strong Persian leaders conquered and ruled a vast empire for more than 200 years. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) After the collapse of the Assyrian Empire, the Chaldean king Nebuchadnezzar II made Babylonia the leading power in western Asia. The capital of Babylonia was one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) Babylonia was conquered by the Persians, an Indo-European people from today’s Iran. The nomadic Persians were unified under one ruling family with dynamic leaders. The Persian Empire, 500 B.C. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) In 539 B.C., Cyrus captured Babylonia. He was known as Cyrus “the Great” because of his wisdom and restraint toward his conquered foes. Cyrus respected other civilizations and used Assyrian, Egyptian, and Babylonian designs for building his palaces. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) Cambyses sought to extend the empire by successfully invading Egypt. Darius added territory in western India and Thrace, today’s Greece. He divided the empire into provinces called satrapies. Each satrapy was ruled by a satrap who collected taxes, provided justice, and recruited soldiers. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) The Royal Road stretched across the Persian kingdom and allowed for communication and travel. This communication and travel sustained the Persian Empire. The power of the Persian Empire came from its military. Its professional soldiers were known as the Immortals because when one was killed, he was immediately replaced. Section 4

The Persian Empire (cont.) Persian religion was known as Zoroastrianism. This monotheistic religion was started by the prophet Zoroaster, who wrote his teachings in the Zend Avesta. The Persian Empire was weakened by struggles over succession to the monarchy. The Empire finally fell to Alexander the Great and the Greeks in the 330s B.C. Section 4

What caused the Persian Empire to decline after the death of Darius? A. The Royal Road fell into disrepair. B. Succession of Darius was uncertain, causing internal struggles. C. The rise of Zoroastrianism divided people. D. They were defeated in battle by the Greeks. A B C D Section 4

Section 4-End

satrapy one of the 20 provinces into which Darius divided the Persian Empire Vocab25

satrap “protector of the Kingdom”; the governor of a province (satrapy) of the Persian Empire under Darius Vocab26

monarchy government by a sovereign ruler such as a king or queen Vocab27

restraint a controlling force Vocab28

sought made an attempt; tried Vocab29

sustained supported or held up Vocab30