4.3 The Persian Empire

The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, grew into a vast and powerful realm stretching from Greece to India. Its rulers, like Darius I, implemented innovative administrative systems and built impressive cities like Persepolis, showcasing the empire's wealth and might.

Zoroastrianism, the empire's main religion, promoted a dualistic worldview and ethical living. The Persians achieved great cultural, technological, and administrative feats, including extensive road networks and standardized currency. However, conflicts with Greece and Alexander the Great's conquest led to the empire's fall.

The Persian Empire

Rise of Persian Empire

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• Cyrus the Great (r. 559-530 BCE) founded the Achaemenid Empire by uniting various Persian tribes
• Conquered the powerful Median Empire, wealthy kingdom of Lydia (in modern-day Turkey), and the ancient Babylonian Empire
• Known for his tolerant rule, respecting local customs and religions of conquered peoples
• Cambyses II (r. 530-522 BCE), son of Cyrus, expanded the empire by conquering Egypt in 525 BCE
• Cambyses died under mysterious circumstances during a revolt led by a usurper claiming to be his brother, Bardiya
• Darius I (r. 522-486 BCE) came to power after overthrowing the usurper Bardiya
• Expanded the empire to its greatest extent, including parts of Greece, Thrace (in the Balkans), and the Indus Valley (in modern-day Pakistan)
• Divided the vast empire into satrapies (provinces) governed by satraps for more efficient administration
• Introduced a standardized currency called the daric and a uniform system of weights and measures to facilitate trade
• Constructed the magnificent capital city of Persepolis and the Royal Road network for efficient communication and transportation throughout the empire
• Implemented the satrapy system, dividing the empire into administrative regions for better governance and tax collection

Zoroastrianism in ancient Persia

• Monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in the 6th century BCE
• Centered on the worship of the supreme god Ahura Mazda, the source of all goodness and light
• Dualistic worldview with a cosmic struggle between good, represented by Ahura Mazda, and evil, represented by Angra Mainyu
• Emphasized free will and individual choice to align oneself with good and reject evil
• Placed importance on truth, righteousness, and good thoughts, words, and deeds in one's life
• Considered fire as sacred and a symbol of Ahura Mazda's wisdom and light
• Became the official religion of the Achaemenid Empire under Darius I
• Influenced Persian art, architecture, and cultural practices, such as the design of fire temples
• Promoted a strong ethical code and sense of social responsibility among its adherents
• Contributed to religious tolerance in the Persian Empire, coexisting with other local religions like Babylonian and Egyptian beliefs

Achievements of Persian Empire

• Cultural achievements:
  • Built Persepolis, a grand capital city featuring impressive architecture, intricate reliefs, and sculptures showcasing the empire's power and wealth
  • Developed a unique art and architectural style that synthesized elements from various cultures within the empire (Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek)
  • Promoted religious tolerance and the preservation of local customs and traditions in conquered territories
  • Created the Behistun Inscription, a multilingual rock relief detailing Darius I's rise to power, written in Old Persian cuneiform
• Technological achievements:
  1. Constructed the Royal Road, an extensive network of roads spanning over 2,500 km, connecting the empire and facilitating communication and trade
  2. Developed the qanat system, a network of underground water channels for irrigation and water supply in arid regions
  3. Invented yakhchals, ancient refrigeration systems for storing ice and preserving food in hot climates
  4. Utilized windmills for grinding grain and powering irrigation systems
• Administrative achievements:
  • Divided the empire into satrapies (provinces), each governed by a satrap accountable to the king, ensuring efficient governance of the vast territory
  • Introduced standardized coinage (daric) and uniform weights and measures to facilitate trade and economic integration across the empire
  • Established an efficient postal system using relay stations along the Royal Road for swift communication
  • Maintained a well-organized professional army and navy to maintain order and defend the empire's borders
  • Promoted religious and cultural tolerance, allowing local customs and beliefs to persist under Persian rule, fostering stability and loyalty within the empire

Decline of the Persian Empire

• The Persian Wars with Greece weakened the empire's influence in the Mediterranean region
• Darius III, the last Achaemenid king, faced internal revolts and external threats
• Alexander the Great of Macedonia defeated Darius III, conquering the Persian Empire and ending Achaemenid rule in 330 BCE