The first world power Chapter 7 The Empires of Persia The first world power Chapter 7

The Rise of the Persian Empires Chapter 7 Persia The Rise of the Persian Empires The empires of Persia arose in the arid land of modern day Iran. During the 6th century BCE, rulers of the province of Persia in southwestern Iran embarked on a series of conquests that results in the formation of an enormous empire. This empire had four major dynasties: Achaemenids (558-330 B.C.E.) Seleucids (323-83 B.C.E.) Parthians (247 B.C.E.-224 C.E.) Sasanids (224-651 C.E.) Period 2 600 BCE- 600CE

The Medes and Persians Around 1000 BCE, the Medes and Persians migrate from central Asia to Persia (southwestern portion of modern day Iran). They spoke Indo-European languages and shared many cultural traits with their cousins, the Aryans. They became known for their advanced equestrian and archery skills. By the 6th century BCE, the Medes and Persians took power as the Assyrian and Babylonian empires crumbled.

Cyrus Cyrus, who reigned from 558- 530 BCE, was the founder of Achaemenid dynasty. During his reign he expanded his empire from modern day Turkey to Afghanistan. Within 20 years, Cyrus went from minor regional king to ruler of an empire that stretched from India to the borders of Egypt. His successors expanded the empire to include Egypt and the Indus valley. Died defending the northern border from nomadic raiders

Darius Darius was the greatest of the Achaemenid emperors and reigned from 521-486 BCE. By the late 6th century, Darius presided over an empire stretching some 1,865 miles from the Indus River to the Aegean Sea to the Nile River. With a population 35 million, Darius’ realm was by far the largest empire the world had yet seen. He ruled over 70 distinct ethnic groups. Darius made his capitol at Persepolis and throughout the Achaemenid dynasty it was the nerve center of the Persian Empire. Darius centralized his power in Persepolis. This centralization of power helped maintain the empire. Darius entrusted the satraps to run local districts. Satraps reported directly to Darius

The Satrapies In order to organize the empire, the Achaemenid’s divided their empire into 23 satrapies or administrative and taxation districts. These were governed by rulers call satraps. Most of the satraps were Persian, but some were local. In order for the empire to work, the Persians issued coin currency, built roads (many paved), and created a courier service. All of this increased communication within the very large Persian empire. This bureaucratic administration system lessened the rebellion of local provinces. Think of it similar to governors working for the president

Persian Technology In order for the empire to work, the Persians issued coin currency Built roads (8000 miles) many of the roads were paved. Called the Persian Royal Road Created a courier service to send messages quickly through out the empire All of this increased communication and trade within the very large Persian empire. These improvements led to stability and increased trade. Qanat: System of underground canals Avoided excessive loss to evaporation Increased agriculture

Decline of the Achaemenid Empire Both Cyrus and Darius were tolerant rulers over their multiethnic empire… Xerxes not so much. The Persian Wars (500-479) greatly weakened the empire. The Ionian Greeks expelled, killed and rebelled against the satraps Darius struggled to contain the Greek rebellions but eventually did Successors like Xerxes were unable to keep rebellious Greeks in line Persians defeated at Marathon (490 B.C.E.), retreated. The rest of the conflict were small skirmishes with no decisive victory for either side. This war weakened Persia Alexander the Great conquers the Achaemenid empire (334-331 B.C.E.) 48,000 men, better armed and well trained Alexander burned Persepolis Alexander retained the administrative bureaucracy

Empire after Alexander Chapter 7 Persia Empire after Alexander Alexander the Great dies suddenly Generals divide empire, best part goes to Seleucus, former commander of Alexander’s army (r. 305-281 B.C.E.) Named Selucid empire Kept Achaemenid structure Parthians developed a strong empire in Iran Strong cavalry allowed for great defense of empire Followed satrap government structure Empire fell from internal problems as well as weakened by Roman attacks Sasanids replaced Parthians in 224 CE Recreated some of the splendor of the Achaemenid Empire Fell to Islamic invaders in 651 CE Persia survived through adaptation of administrative techniques by each successive empire Period 2 600 BCE- 600CE

Persian Society and Economy Chapter 7 Persia Early steppe traditions Warriors, priests, peasants Family/clan kinship very important Creation of bureaucrat class with empire Tax collectors Record keepers Translators Slaves Prisoners of war, conquered populations Debtors Children, spouses also sold into slavery Principally domestic servitude Some agricultural labor, public works Economy Several areas exceptionally fertile Long-distance trade benefits from Persian road-building Goods from India especially valued Traded with along the Mediterranean and Asia Period 2 600 BCE- 600CE

Zoroastrianism During the Classical Period in Persia, Zoroastrianism emerges from the teachings of Zarathustra. Zarathustra left his family and home in search of wisdom. After about 10 years of traveling he experienced a series of visions and became convinced that the supreme god named Ahura Masda (wise lord) had chosen him to serve as his prophet. The priests of Zoroastrianism became know as magi and their holy documents were known as the Gathas.

Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism introduced the concept of heaven/hell 1st monotheistic religion In addition to Ahura Mazda, the Gathas speaks of 6 lesser deities. Following a struggle of 12,000 years, Zarathustra believed that Ahura Mazda and the forces of good would prevail and Angra Mainyu and the principle of evil would disappear forever. Zoroastrianism's teachings can be described as “good words, good thoughts, good deeds”. All things were accepted as long as in moderation.

Influence of Zoroastrianism Jews living in Persia during the Achaemenid times adopted several specific teachings of Zoroastrianism which later found their way into the faiths of Christianity and Islam. Teachings such as: An omnipotent and beneficent deity was responsible for all creation The idea that a purely evil being worked against the creator god. The conviction that the forces of good will ultimately prevail over the power of evil after a climatic struggle The belief that human beings must strive to observe the highest standards. The idea that individuals will undergo judgment after which the morally upright will experience rewards in paradise.