“The Great Governors” The Story of the Persian Empire
Persian Empire: BC Persian Empire Largest of the ancient empires centered in Southwest Asia At its height, stretched from Greece to India Lasted for two centuries, until they were conquered by Alexander the Great Persian Empire Largest of the ancient empires centered in Southwest Asia At its height, stretched from Greece to India Lasted for two centuries, until they were conquered by Alexander the Great
Persian Empire: Major Features Political Organization Great King: Persian emperor, expected to be great conqueror Satrap System: Empire divided into regional provinces overseen by governors known as satraps Eyes of the King: Spy network monitors Persian officials and reports directly to Great King Royal Road: Road links together empire, improves trade and communication Significance Unlike previous empires based solely on military force, Persians have intricate system of imperial organization Political Organization Great King: Persian emperor, expected to be great conqueror Satrap System: Empire divided into regional provinces overseen by governors known as satraps Eyes of the King: Spy network monitors Persian officials and reports directly to Great King Royal Road: Road links together empire, improves trade and communication Significance Unlike previous empires based solely on military force, Persians have intricate system of imperial organization
Major Leaders Cyrus the Great Created empire by unifying Persians and Medes to overthrow Babylonians Known for his tolerant treatment of conquered groups Darius I Expanded empire to largest size Known for his creation of satrap system and construction of the Persian capital Cyrus the Great Created empire by unifying Persians and Medes to overthrow Babylonians Known for his tolerant treatment of conquered groups Darius I Expanded empire to largest size Known for his creation of satrap system and construction of the Persian capital
Cultural Achievements Zoroastrianism Persian religion Dualism: Life is struggle between forces of good vs. evil, light vs. dark Ideas may have influenced Judaism and Christianity Persian Art Beautiful sculpted vessels Highly decorated architecture Zoroastrianism Persian religion Dualism: Life is struggle between forces of good vs. evil, light vs. dark Ideas may have influenced Judaism and Christianity Persian Art Beautiful sculpted vessels Highly decorated architecture
Interesting Facts The Original Pony Express? The Persians had a messenger service with fresh horses at outposts a day’s ride apart Greek Historian: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the completion of their appointed rounds” The Original Pony Express? The Persians had a messenger service with fresh horses at outposts a day’s ride apart Greek Historian: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the completion of their appointed rounds”
Coach Lerch’s Final Thoughts The Persian Empire was able to successfully unite a large number of diverse peoples due to their intricate political organization and tolerance for other cultures
Bibliography Main Sources “The Persian Empire”, Human Legacy (textbook) “The First Persian Empire”, The Great Empires of the Ancient World (reference book) “The Achaemenid Persian Empire”, Metropolitan Museum of Art (web) “Achaemenid Persians”, Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia, Facts on File (online database) Additional Images from Web “Cyrus’ Tomb”, Syracuse University “Darius”, Williams University Main Sources “The Persian Empire”, Human Legacy (textbook) “The First Persian Empire”, The Great Empires of the Ancient World (reference book) “The Achaemenid Persian Empire”, Metropolitan Museum of Art (web) “Achaemenid Persians”, Encyclopedia of the Peoples of Asia, Facts on File (online database) Additional Images from Web “Cyrus’ Tomb”, Syracuse University “Darius”, Williams University