Persia Unites Many Lands Chapter 4 Section 3 p. 92-96

Persia Unites Many Lands Key Idea 3 HOME 3 Persia Unites Many Lands GRAPH Key Idea Persian kings forge a multicultural empire stretching from the Indus River to the Nile. Persia pioneers enlighten tolerance in government and support the Zoroastrian religion. Overview Assessment

The Rise of Persia Persians ruled with tolerance and diplomacy They had a strong military to back up their policies Ancient Persia included the area that is modern-day Iran

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

The Persian Homeland Around 1000 BC Indo-Europeans from Central Europe to Mesopotamia They seize farmland and mineral wealth Copper, lead, gold, silver, and lapis lazuli At first, tiny kingdoms ruled the area Eventually, the Medes and Persians dominate the area

Cyrus the Great Founds an Empire Cyrus becomes king of Persia in 550 BC Eventually extended their rule from the Indus valley to Anatolia (over 2000 miles) They rode horseback and used a short bow Cyrus was kind to conquered people. He earned their respect and devotion Conquered people enjoyed freedom He allowed conquered Jews to return to Jerusalem

Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great Lost his life in battle His tomb reads “O man, I am Cyrus the son of Cambyses. I established the Persian Empire and was king of Asia. Do not begrudge me my memorial.”

Tomb of Cyrus the Great

Persian Rule and Religion The task of organizing and unifying territories fell to rulers who followed Cyrus They succeeded by combining Persian control and local self-government

Cambyses Cambyses (the son of Cyrus) extended the empire by conquering Egypt He ordered Egyptian religious images to be burned After his death, rebellions broke out across the empire Persian control is weakened

Cambyses

Darius Succeeds Cambyses Began as a member of the king’s bodyguard Seizes the throne in 522 BC Puts down revolts and runs an efficient administration Builds the empire to Afghanistan and the Indus Valley

Provinces and Satraps Darius divides the empire into 20 provinces Each province allowed to practice its own religion Each province spoke its own language and wrote its own laws Darius appoints a governor called a satrap He checks up on satraps regularly to make sure they follow his wishes and collect taxes

The Royal Road Persians build the “Royal Road” from Susa in Persia to Sardis in Anatolia (1,677 miles)

Metal Coins Darius is the first to circulate coins of a standard value throughout an extended empire Standard coins promote trade Trade helps to keep the empire together

The Persian Legacy Brought political order to Southwest Asia Respect for other cultures helped to preserve those cultures Dynasty founded by Cyrus lasted over 200 years

Persia Unites Many Lands 3 3 HOME 3 Persia Unites Many Lands GRAPH Section 3 Assessment 1. Look at the graphic to help organize your thoughts. Explain the similarities and differences between Cyrus and Darius. Cyrus Only Darius Only Both Cyrus founded the Persian Empire and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Both ruled fairly and expanded the empire. Darius seized power and introduced coins of standard value. continued . . .