Mid-Sixth Century BCE to Early Seventh Century CE Persia Mid-Sixth Century BCE to Early Seventh Century CE

Indo-European Roots Persians and Medes- closely related tribes Migrated into Iran in centuries preceding 1000BCE from central Asia Loose subjugation (paid tribute) to Babylonian and Assyrian Empires Pastoralists, but limited agriculture early on Clan was primary political organization- headed by male warriors Socially organized into classes of warriors, priests, and peasants (similar to Celtic and early Aryan class structure) Militarily powerful through use of horse (mounted archers)

Medes 1st Indo-European tribe to bring Iranian Plateau under their control Overthrown by Persians under Cyrus the Achaemenid

Four Major Dynasties/Empires Achaemenid Seleucid Parthian Sasanid

Achaemenid 558BCE- 330BCE Cyrus- founder Administration of Empire

Administration Satrapies- administrative and taxation districts Eyes and Ears of the King- agents of king, spies Regularizing taxes- formal taxes instead of tribute, more regular Issued coins (1st standardized coins in Lydia) Standardized laws Built and maintained roads Postal service