1. Persia

3. Persia Modern day Iran The spoken language of Persian or Farsi
Still the principal language of Iran
Between the 6th through 4th centuries BC is known as the Achaemenid Dynasty

4. Cyrus the Great
Founded the new dynasty and the Persian Empire in 550 BC
United the Medes and Persians
Later will conquer Lydia (modern day Turkey)
And Babylonian Empire
Considered a tolerance ruler
Blended Median and Persian officials into government
Will open Jerusalem again to the Judahites

5. Darius Cyrus’ successor Maintained order through the Royal Road
Trade and communication route that expanded the empire
Connected the silk roads and Inner Eurasia

6. Darius Political policies Religious Reform Used imperial bureaucracy
Used governors throughout the empire
Maintained a standing army – not common
Religious Reform
Zoroastrian practices
One prophet Zoroaster

7. First Persian War 499 BC Darius attacked Naxos (western Turkey)
Persians were able to take over the Ionians
Athens intervened (became involved) by bringing 20 ships
Darius was kind to the Ionians, but brutal to Athens for getting involved.
Attacked Athens
490 BC – Battle of Marathon