The Persian Empire Chapter 4 Section 3

Cyrus “The Great” Persian King ~550 B.C. Why Great? Great warrior and conqueror Why? Genius at strategy & organization Had an elite corps – The immortals: 10,000 professional troops. Great governing – tolerant of local customs & religions. Local peoples accepted the Persians as overlords b/c they did not have to give up their culture. Allowed the Jews to return to their homeland in Palestine.

Cambysus Cyrus’ Son – continued conquests to expand the Empire. Did not follow in his father’s tolerant ways. Conquered Egypt in 522 B.C. but destroyed Egyptian gods & goddesses. Died after only 8 yrs. – led to many rebellions & it looked as if Persian Empire was doomed.

Darius A noble of the King’s dynasty (he was related to Cyrus). Started as one of the King’s bodyguards. Used The Immortals – the king’s elite corps of 10,000 troops to seize power. Ruled like Cyrus – tolerant & was a great conqueror – but failed to take Greece in 490 BC. Key accomplishments: Ruled through a centralized system of local governors satraps – plus a military leader and royal tax collector – These 3 provincial authorities were kept in line by royal inspectors the kings “eyes and ears.” Helped the economy – built Roads & standardized Coins.

Satrap Persian governor.

Royal Road 1,677 mile road, from Susa to Sardis, connected the Persian empire. Had A whole system of roads helped the Persian Empire run efficiently. How? Fast communication Send help quickly where needed (put down rebellions / repel invaders). Helped control and tax trade.

Zoroastrianism A Religion, started by a prophet – Zoroaster ~600 B.C. Teachings: 1) Earth is a battleground between the forces of good and the forces of evil. Angels and Satan exist. 2) Gods: a. Ahura Mazda: all powerful god – you will be judged at the end of time on how well you fought for good. b. Mithra: another Zoarastrian god, loosely connected to Christianity.

3. How did Cyrus treat the people he conquered? Well / tolerant – allowed them to keep their local customs and religions. Ordered army NOT to burn or loot when taking over lands.

4. What methods and tools did Darius use to hold together his empire? Tolerance of local customs. Well trained & led military – elite “immortals” corps. Centralized Gov’t control – divided empire into provinces controlled by Satraps, with a military general, & tax collector (watched by traveling royal inspectors). A Good Economy was promoted using system of ROADS and STANDARDIZED COINS.

5. What did Zoraster teach? That the Earth is a battleground between the forces of good and the forces of evil. Angels and Satan exist.

6. What did the words that appeared on Cyrus’s tomb suggest about his character? The words: “O man, I am Cyrus the son of Cambyses. I established the Persian Empire and was king of Asia. Do not begrudge me my memorial.” To Begrudge: To envy the possession (envy = resentful desire of another’s possessions). Key words: “do not begrudge me my memorial.” Cyrus knew that rulers & people who came after him may not like him much, may be jealous of his achievements, and so may destroy his monument. He simply asks that they respect his tomb in a humble non-threatening way.

7. How did the royal road help Darius maintain control over his people? Communication – send help quickly where needed. Move troops to trouble spots quickly (on the road network). Trade (a good economy = happy people)