1. The Persian Empire
Essential Questions: Questions you will answer later on:
Who shaped the growth and organization of the Persian Empire?
What were the most significant Persian achievements?

3. Growth and Organization
Cyrus the Great
Led a revolt and united the Persians
Conquered and captured other regions
Tolerance for other peoples customs
If you had a different religion or custom, Persia accepted it as long as you paid taxes and didn’t start a rebellion.
Why would Cyrus tolerate the customs of the people he conquered?
How would this help his empire?

4. Growth and Organization
Darius I
Had to reorganize and strengthen empire
Kept a permanent army of paid and trained soldiers to fight at a moment’s notice around the Empire.
Why would Darius want an organized army?
How could paying and training soldiers grow the army and the empire?

6. Growth and Organization
Government
Emperors and Kings
The Emperor was all powerful
Used governors (satraps) to help him rule the large Persian empire
See the image to the right of all the parts of the empire, managed by different satraps who reported to the Emperor:
Why would a king divide responsibility of his empire among governors?
What is one way it would help the empire?

8. Growth and Organization
Government
Used officials called King’s Eyes and Ears to keep satraps loyal
These were like spies who reported anyone suspicious
Created coins and roads to increase trade and wealth
How does having common currency (coins) help trade?
How do roads help trade?

10. Growth and Organization
Decline
Weak emperors
No order
Rebellions
Slow trade
Invasions
Which from the list do you think would damage an empire the most?

11. Persian Achievements Zoroastrianism
A Religion shared by most Persian peoples
Monotheism (only one God)
World controlled by good and evil

12. Persian Achievements
Cultural blending (uniting Persian culture with foreign cultures)
Roads
Royal Road: first highway, linked major cities, used by messengers
Why would the leaders of Persia encourage cultural blending?
Why would a system of roads be important for an empire?

15. Persian Achievements Art Architecture
Persepolis: ceremonial city, large halls, decorates walls and columns
Why would an empire put so much work into the art and architecture?
What can art and architecture tell about an empire?