Mr. Cameron Jeannette Senior High School

The Persian Empire

Largest Empire in the World 539 B.C.—Conquered Babylon From The Nile to the Indus River Persia: Present-day Iran

Cyrus the Great 580 – 530 B. C. E.  A A tolerant ruler  he allowed different cultures within his empire to keep their own institutions and religions  The Greeks called him a “Law-Giver” he Jews called him “the anointed of the Lord” IIn 537, he allowed over 40,000 to return to Palestine

Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. C. E.)  B Built Persepolis  Extended the Persian Empire to the Indus River in India 22 million. sq. mi.  Built canal in Egypt IInvaded Greece FFather of Xerxes

Darius the Great (526 – 485 B. C. E.)  E Established a tax-collecting system  Divided the empire into districts called SATRAPS  Built the great Royal Road system  Established a complex postal system.  Created a network of spies called “the King’s Eyes and Ears”

Why Did Darius Invade Greece? Invaded in response to the Ionian Revolt Greek city-states in Asia Minor, under Persian rule, revolted against Persian satraps Revolting city-states were aided by Athens First major conflict between Greece and Persia Darius saw Greece as a threat to his empire

Xerxes Son of Darius Invaded Greece after Darius’ death Battled the Spartans at Thermopylae Retreated to Asia Left the conquest to his military commanders (Mardonius) Persians defeated at the Battle of Plataea and the Battle of Mycale Helped preserve western civilization

Persian Immortals 10, 000 Strong10, 000 Strong Imperial Guard / ArmyImperial Guard / Army Wicker Shield Wicker Shield Short SpearShort Spear Bows and ArrowsBows and Arrows Fought for:Fought for: –Cyrus –Darius –Xerxes

Persian Immortals

Persian Archers & Soldiers

Ancient Persepolis

Persepolis

The People of Persepolis

Persian “Royal Road” Provided a means of communication, trade, and government control

Zarathustra [Zoroaster] 6 th Century B.C.E. Good Thoughts, Good Deed, Good Words “Tree of Life”

Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil Forces of good and evil battle each other…people must choose between them Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil Forces of good and evil battle each other…people must choose between them Ahura Mazda “Holy Spirit” Ahriman “Destructive Spirit” Influenced Judaism, Christianity, & Islam

Extent of Zoroastrianism

Zend-Avesta (The “Book of Law”) The “Sacred Fire”  the force to fight evil