Agenda Bell Ringer Map activity Iran notes Closure

Unit 2: Organization and Reorganization of Human Societies (600 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.)

ESSENTIAL LEARNING: IRAN, THE “LAND OF THE ARYANS”

Objectives Identify how the Achaemenid Persians of western Iran created complex societies in the 7 th and 6 th centuries B.C.E. Describe imperial organization under Darius. Identify the major beliefs and influences of Zoroastrianism and how Darius used the religion to create an ideology justifying the empire.

Essential Questions What are the key geographic features of Iran? How did the Achaemenid Persians come to power? Describe the expansion of the Persian Empire under Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius. Describe Darius’ administrative system. What was Persepolis like? What were the major beliefs of Zoroastrianism? How did Darius tie Zoroastrianism to politics?

Where is Iran?

Target: Geography High mountains at the edges Inhospitable deserts Interior settlements Fewer natural northeastern boundaries = central Asian nomadic invasion Underground irrigation in first millennium BCE Mineral resources, wood Poor farming land = traded minerals and crafted goods

Map 5-1, p. 118 Target: The Rise of the Persian Empire

In antiquity, Iranians spread across western and Central Asia. Medes – first complex level of political organization – Destruction of Assyrian Empire – Persian rulers (Achaemenids) cemented ties through marriage, gained influence

Patriarchal (male dominated) family organization Warriors Priests Peasants

Persian Cyrus (r BCE) Son Cambyses (r BCE) Darius (r BCE) placed Persians in more important posts. – Promoted maritime trade.

Target: Imperial Organization Darius divided empire into twenty provinces with satraps (governors) Well-maintained roads, way stations, military garrisons Administration based in Susa

Target: Ideology and Religion Persepolis – ceremonial capital

p. 123

Zoroastrianism – God – Ahuramazda – The Gathas – hymns said to be work of Zoroaster – Angra Mainyu – “hostile spirit” – Reverence for the earth – Influenced Judaism and Christianity – All but disappeared Darius tied religion to politics

Essential Questions What are the key geographic features of Iran? How did the Achaemenid Persians come to power? Describe the expansion of the Persian Empire under Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius. Describe Darius’ administrative system. What was Persepolis like? What were the major beliefs of Zoroastrianism? How did Darius tie Zoroastrianism to politics?