pg. 104 – 133

 What do you know about ancient Persia and Greece? List as many things as you can.

 Relatively little written record remains from the Persian Empire  Historians (that’s us) are forced to view Persia through the eyes of the Greeks  Why might this be a problem? Greece was often at war with Persia and, even during times of peace, felt that their own culture was superior

 Two groups lived in the region, the Medes and the Persians  They were brought together by the marriage of Cyrus, the son of a Persian chief, and a Median princess

 “Cyrus the Great” placed both Median and Persian peoples in government positions  Three primary social groups Warriors: Most powerful member was the king Priests: Known as “Magi”, oversaw sacrifices Peasants: Farmers and shepherds

"I am Cyrus, king of the world, the great king, the powerful king, king of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four quarters of the world."

 “When I, well-disposed, entered Babylon, I established the seat of government in the royal palace amidst jubilation and rejoicing. Marduk, the great God, caused the big-hearted inhabitants of Babylon to love me. I sought daily to worship him. My numerous troops moved about undisturbed in the midst of Babylon.”  “I did not allow any to terrorize the land of Sumer and Akkad. I kept in view the needs of Babylon and all its sanctuaries to promote their well being. The citizens of Babylon... I lifted their unbecoming yoke. Their dilapidated dwellings I restored. I put an end to their misfortunes.”  “At my deeds Marduk, the great Lord, rejoiced, and to me, Cyrus, the king who worshipped, and to Cambyses, my son, the offspring of my loins, and to all my troops, he graciously gave his blessing, and in good spirit is before him we glorified exceedingly his high divinity....”

 Darius I Extended Persian control East and West (to Greece) Extended maritime (ocean) trade routes Lesser role for Medes people

 Darius I Extended Persian control East and West (close to Greece in Western Europe) Extended maritime (ocean) trade routes Lesser role for Medes people

 The Persian Empire under Darius was the largest that the world had ever seen

 A revolt occurred in Ionia (modern day Turkey) and was supported by the Greeks  Darius made plans to destroy Greece as punishment but died before he could begin this campaign

 The Persian empire was divided into 20 provinces, each ruled by a Satrap  Satraps (governors of these provinces) collected tribute (usually taxes) for the king

 Built an extensive network of roads

 The “Royal Road”

 King owned vast tracts of land (land = wealth)  Conquered people allowed to live their own lives as long as they obeyed the kings rules and paid taxes

 The central administration of Darius’ empire was located in Mesopotamia Darius believed that, because civilization and formal government started there, it was the best place to place his own government

 Persepolis: Fortress city to show wealth

 Zoroastrianism: Religion of Persians, good vs. evil, monotheistic (Ahuramazda = god)