1. FROM RIVER VALLEYS TO EMPIRES The Classic Civilization of Persia

2. Essential Questions: -What is the difference between a “river valley civilization” and an “empire”? -What factors led to the rise of Persia and what were its major accomplishments?

3. After thousands of years of civilization in river valleys, the world’s first empires appeared
River valley civilizations were complex societies with advanced technologies, cities, specialized workers, writing, and institutions (religions and governments)

4. Like river valley civilizations, empires were advanced societies with well-organized, centralized governments
The difference is that empires conquer and rule over a variety of formerly independent people
“EMPIRE” defined: a group of several different nations or people united and ruled over by a monarch (like an emperor or king)

5. The nations that are ruled over obey and serve the mother country of the empire
In the first ancient empire we learn about, the mother country of the empire was Persia

6. Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India
Major Empires
Han Dynasty in China
Persian Empire
Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India

7. Mesopotamia: River Valley to Empire
The fertile soil and lack of natural boundaries (like mountains) in Mesopotamia led to the Mesopotamian civilizations being the target of frequent invasions and conquests

8. One of the most important ancient empires was Persia (present-day Iran)

9. The Persians grew into a powerful empire under Kings Cyrus and Darius

10. The “10,000 Immortals”: Persia’s elite fighting force
With a powerful army, the Persians conquered Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India
The “10,000 Immortals”: Persia’s elite fighting force

11. Persia’s religion was Zoroastrianism (based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster)
This religion viewed life as a struggle between good and evil; the Persians believed in Heaven and Hell as consequences for how they lived their lives

12. Zoroastrianism influenced the views of the afterlife in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Whole universe was the battleground between the god of truth, light, and goodness and the god of darkness and evil. Those who led good lives would eventually go to heave, while those who were evil would be doomed to a fiery Hell.

13. The Persian Empire at its Height
How did the Persians control such a massive empire?

14. PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL
Persia controlled their lands in a variety of ways
Persian kings were tolerant; they allowed conquered people to keep their languages and religions
This kept the conquered people content and less likely to rebel

15. PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL
Rather than destroying or looting conquered cities, King Cyrus would show respect for local customs
As the mother country of the empire, the Persians were definitely in charge
However, life was tolerable under Persian rule, so this made most conquered people content

16. THE PERSIAN EMPIRE AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS POWER
At the centre of ancient Persian administration was the king, controlling a network of satraps (governors). As well as governing, satraps were responsible for securing tribute and delivering it to the royal palace. The Greek writer Herodotus reported that at one time Cilicia (in south-east Turkey) paid 500 talents of silver (about 14 metric tons) and provided 360 white horses, and Babylon and Assyria paid 1000 talents of silver (about 28 metric tons) and gave 500 boys to be eunuchs.
King Darius divided the empire into twenty provinces, each one was ruled by a satrap (local governor)

17. PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL
Satraps served as the “eyes and ears” of the Persian kings in their respective provinces
PERSIA’S SYSTEM OF CONTROL
They collected taxes from the people of the provinces and informed the king of any uprisings

18. PERSIA’S ORGANIZED EMPIRE
The Persians built a network of roads in order to collect taxes, improve communication (postal service), and facilitate trade throughout their empire
Built 100s of miles of roads using gravel and stone. The Persian Royal Road was 1500 miles long with more than 100 stations holding fresh horses. Roads fostered a feeling of unity within the Empire. Darius est. a postal service to make communication easier. Couriers would carry letters over the new roads.

19. PERSIA’S ORGANIZED EMPIRE
The Persians used metal coins with standardized values to help promote trade
Metal coins with standardized values helped promote trade
Persians were now able to move from bartering to a “money economy.”