Persian Empire

The Persian Homeland Modern day Iran Great farmland Rich in mineral resources Copper, lead, gold, silver, blue lapis

Cyrus the Great Founded the Persian Empire Conquered neighboring kingdoms in what is today Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and Anatolia Different from the Assyrians Establishment of tolerance of conquered peoples No looting and burning of cities Honoring of local customs and religions Freedoms granted after conquests

Processing How was Cyrus the Great’s/Persia’s empire different form that of the Assyrians? Give at least 2 examples. How was Cyrus important to Judaism?

Cambyses Cyrus’ son, took over after Cyrus died NOT a tolerant ruler, died 8 years later and left behind a weakened empire

Darius I Was originally a royal bodyguard Used the 10,000 Immortals (bodyguard army) to take control Expanded Empire to 2,500 miles (p.94) India to Anatolia and Egypt Unable to defeat the Greeks

Administration The world’s largest empire was divided by Darius into 20 provinces Each province was ruled by a satrap appointed by Darius

Persian Achievements Persian Empire thrived due to the Royal Road 1,600 mile road improved communication and transportation leading to more trade Circulation of coined money—standard for entire empire

Feats of Engineering

Persian Religion Zoroastrianism Zoroaster: prophet (600 BCE) Two armies fought over a person’s soul Ahura Mazda: god of truth and light Ahriman/Ahura Mainyu: god of evil and darkness “Judgment Day” at the end of one’s life Paradise….or a fiery pit, depending on how you lived your life Holy Book: Avesta