Iran, India, and Inner Asia to 200 AD
The Elamites
The Iranians Western Aryans Worship of Ahura Mazda Zoroaster and Zoroastrianism ( BC) –The Prophet Zoraster and The Gathas –The Avesta –Moral Reform and Monotheism
The Persian Empire ( BC)
Persia Cyrus the Great ( BC) Darius I ( BC) and the Greeks The Achaemenid State –Shahansha, “King of Kings”, Priest-Kings –System of Satrapies and Professional Army –Use of Money –Flourishing Economy
Mauryan Empire ( BC)
Mauryan Empire Chandragupta Maurya ( BC) Ashoka Maurya ( BC) –Major Conqueror Sickened by War –Champion of Buddhism –But Empire too big
Mauryan State Centralized government Hiearchical territory governments Centralized Taxes--land and trade Leaves a legacy of roads, cities, and trade.
Consolidation of Indian Civilization (200 BC AD) Many small states Mauryan trade network links to world survive Greek and Hindu Mix produces realist art Modern Hinduism Emerges
Rise of Mahayana Buddhist sects emphasizing Compassion : Mahayana Idea of Boddhisatvas Devotional Religious Practice Pure Land schools Use of mantras and mysticism
The Selucids
Steppe Peoples Parthians (247 BC AD) Scythians (circa 130 BC)