Ancient Persia

Where was Ancient Persia? Persia = modern-day Iran (terms used interchangeably) Extended from Balkans in the West to the Indus Valley in the East

The Rise of the Achaemenid Empire 550-330 BCE Cyrus the Great 550BCE conquered Media, Lydia, and Babylonia Medes – ancient Iranian people in North-western Iran Achaemenid Empire – “First Persian Empire” Nearly half the world’s population at the time 4 Major Cities: Pasargadae, Babylon, Susa, Ecbatana -Persians had settled in the south western portion of Iran and established Babylon as their main capital -This allowed Cyrus the great to defeat the Kingdoms of Media, Lydia and the Babylonian Empire -Established the Achaemenid Empire which is considered the first persian empire

Social Structures - Politics Satraps – governors of the provinces of the Achaemenid Empire allowed the Persian Empire to expand and flourish responsible for the land, taxes, court cases, and roads -The Persian Empire ended up having 36 satraps who ruled under King Cyrus the Great -What is the benefit of having satraps for an empire this large? -Possible downfalls may include the satraps weakening the King’s central authority and power

Social Structures - Religion Zoroastrianism – one of the oldest monotheistic religions Cyrus the Great respected the religions and customs of all the peoples from the lands he conquered so long as they pledged allegiance to him and paid taxes -Islam became the dominant religion during the 7th century BCE -Cyrus denounced slavery

Social Structures - Economic The Royal Road (Sardis to Susa) 2,699 km could be travelled by relays in 7-9 days Without shortcut, this route would take ~90 days King Darius Horse & man per day Caravanserais -Horses and men posted at intervals so that the message is delivered at the quickest rate possible -The Royal Road was used until the period of the Ancient romans -Coined the idea of the “pony express” which the US Postal Service uses as part of their motto -Caravanserai – a road-side inn established along the Royal Road where travelers could rest from the day’s travel -”caravan” = group of traders, pilgrims, or other travelers

Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II) Achaemenid Dynasty Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II) Cambyses II Sister: Atossa married Darius I Darius I Artobazanes Xerxes with Atossa Xerxes I Married Esther Cyrus the Great – ruled for ~30 years [559-530 BCE], conquered and developed the Persian Empire Cambyses II – son of Cyrus; ruled for ~8 years [530-522 BCE}, conquered Egypt (Pharaoh from 525-522 BCE) Darius I – Persian official ascended to power; ruled for ~36 years at the Empire’s apex [522-486 BCE], Royal Road built during his time Xerxes I – son of Darius and grandson of Cyrus II; ruled for 21 years [486-465 BCE], temporarily conquered parts of Greece -Bardiya – the brother of Cambyses II, ruled for a short time, and it’s believed that Cambyses murdered him to avoid him gaining power -Cambyses II committed suicide -Darius I – took power from Bardiya

Role of Women Available evidence relates to the nobility Highest status = King’s Mother then King’s Wife and Sisters Royal women experienced a considerable amount of economic independence and administrative participation Traditional Persian women – workforce participation alongside men, wage discrepancies Land ownership permitted Patriarchal families, polygamous marriages -Women could not act as witnesses for signing official documents -They are listed however, as individuals apart from their husbands -Women could administer their wealth individually (particularly royal women) with help from their husbands Queen Atossa, Wife of Darius I

Cyrus Cylinder -The text praises Cyrus the Great and portrays him as a king among a long line of Kings -Babylonian King, Nabonidus, who was conquered by Cyrus is denounced as being an oppressor -Cyrus is portrayed as having been chosen by the Egyptian god, Marduk, to restore peace and order to the Babylonians -Controversial debate whether or not the Cyrus Cylinder is the first record of a Human Rights Charter

Persian Wars Greco-Persian Wars 499-449 BCE (Darius & Xerxes) Conflicts between the Persian Empire and Greek city states Cyrus the Great conquered Ionia in 547 BCE and appointed tyrants to rule cities of Greek-inhabited Ionia -Ionia was an ancient region of Antolia (present day Turkey) that Greeks inhabited at the time

Battle at Marathon 490 BCE – First Persian invasion of Greece Response to Greek involvement in Ionian revolt Persians landed at Marathon and were joined by Athenians and a small force from Plataea who blocked the exits of the plain of Marathon Greek triumph without the Spartans  “Golden Age for Athens” -Battle at Marathon held off Persian invasion for another 10 years -Darius I was King at this time -6400 Persians killed vs. 192 Athenians

Battle at Thermopylae 480 BCE – Second Persian invasion of Greece Xerxes to avenge Cyrus II death Greeks (Spartans) vs. Persian army King Leonidas’ force of ~7000 held off ~1000 Persians for 7 days Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks and revealed a small path 300 Spartans left fighting Persian victory Xerxes was king at this time Goal: defend narrow pass in Central Greece that the Persians had to pass through

Battle at Salamis 480 BCE – Following the Burning of Athens Greek fleet remained at Salamis (large island west of Athens) 600 Persian ships enticed into the straits where an attack was launched Severe Persian loss – Xerxes escaped and left general Mardonius in charge Persia fails to conquer the Peloponnese -Xerxes’ navy

Battle at Plataea 479 BCE under General Mardonius – final battle of the second Persian invasion Unified Greek city-states, with the help of the Spartans took on the Persian army in an all-out battle Mardonius was killed, and Persian luxury goods were captured Greek victory -Not recognized as significant a victory as the Battle at Marathon or the Battle of Thermopylae

Essential Questions What is the legacy of the Persian Empire? Why are Persians portrayed in a certain way in popular culture? Who is controlling this narrative? What is the role of women in the Persian Empire?

Success Criteria I will be able to describe the legacy of the Persian Empire by using examples of key figures, socioeconomic structures, and cultural practices I will be able to understand how warfare contributed to the expansion and decline of the Persian Empire I will be able to recognize the way Ancient Persians are portrayed in popular culture and think of reasons as to why this occurs I will be able to explain the role of women and social structures in Ancient Persia