Notes Ch 4.
Persia
B–
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Satrap System – provincial governors to collect tribute and basically run a section of the empire.
Mini royal courts – Outer satraps had more autonomy because of slow communication
Well maintained and protected roads throughout the empire. Waystations to increase safety.
King referred to Great King, King of Kings, all must bow before him – representing absolute
reign.
Paradayadam – lush strongholds in the middle of the desert encouraged people to maintain
loyalty as a view of a potential reward for their loyalty
Propaganda
R–
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Ahuramazda, god of Zoroastrianism, made Darius the king, and gave him the mandate to rule.
Under Zoroastrianism, people are either punished or rewarded in the afterlife, determined by
their actions in their life on earth. Creator God, good vs evil
I – tolerant
C – Allowed people to maintain their own traditions and ordinances as long as allegiance was pledged.
E – taxes and tribute, needed resources, Iran is tough landscape
Greece
B–
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Modified form of Phoenician language that gave access to literacy to the masses – more
educated, content people
Powerful and highly trained hoplites who fought in a phalanx formation
Oligarchy/Democracy
Coinage systems – universalize trade
Sparta – By using Helots, Spartan citizens were able to devote themselves full time to military
training
Athens – Used money gained through tribute to build beautiful public structures – Parthenon
etc, which made people quite happy.
R–
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Sacrifices to the gods to protect/favor them
Later began seeking rational, logical ways to explain the world
I – Hoplites fierce and loyal soldiers who were feared and powerful
C–
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God Worshiping festivals to create a sense of identity/culture
Humanism – celebration or valuing of the uniqueness, talents, and rights of the individual
Because cultures were allowed to flourish in their own state and mingle, new ideas were often
stimulated through diverse lines of thinking (atom)
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Tribute states – Athens as it rose to power, gained control of weak poleis near them and began
to demand money from them.
Helots – Greek word for slaves
Slaves were widespread and in Athens made up of one third of the population
Land needed for growing population, some voluntary, some forced relocation
E–
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Persian Empire
1. Medes and Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians) defeated the Neo-Assyrians – too far spread out and
spread thin because war is expensive and they loved war
2. Medes were the first complex government that was civilization-like in Iran
3. Persian tribes united, developed a relationship with the Medes through marriage, and
eventually overthrew the Medes – first ruler named Cyrus. Medes and Persians are almost
identical, or that’s how Greek history describes them.
4. Cyrus expanded to the map size you see on page 94. He was so charismatic that when he got to
Babylon, he was welcomed with open gates, and his son was crowned king of Babylon.
5. His son expanded into Egypt
6. After his son died, Darius I took the throne. Beginning of the true Persian Empire. Largest
empire ever
Greek Empire
1. Dark Age after the Sea Peoples destroyed the early Greek civilization (Myceneans).
2. The Phoenicians and their travel into the Mediterranean sea led to the revival of the Greek
Culture.
3. Gave the Greeks their modified Cuneiform, which the Greeks changed to make the first true
Alphabet – led to widespread use due to its ease, increasing literacy
Potential similarities
Wealth through tribute states (once Athens was powerful)(113 for Athens, 97 for Persians)
Both ethnically diverse
Potential Differences –
Ways of keeping their citizens content
Forms of political organization
Use of religion or lack of religion to facilitate the empire
Language as a way to keep people happy vs language as something that was used to control the people by giving it only to elites
Ruling styles – Oligarchy/democracy vs. King