Mr. Cameron
Jeannette Senior High School
The Persian Empire
The Persian Empire
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Largest Empire in the World
539 B.C.—Conquered Babylon
From The Nile to the Indus River
Persia: Present-day Iran
Cyrus the Great
 A tolerant ruler  he allowed
different cultures within his
empire to keep their own
institutions and religions
 The Greeks called him a
“Law-Giver”
 The Jews called him
“the anointed of the Lord”
580 – 530 B. C. E.
In 537, he allowed over 40,000
to return to Palestine
Darius the Great
(526 – 485 B. C. E.)
 Built Persepolis
 Extended the Persian
Empire to the Indus
River in India
2 million. sq. mi.
 Built canal in Egypt
Invaded Greece
Father of Xerxes
Darius the Great
(526 – 485 B. C. E.)
 Established a tax-collecting
system
 Divided the empire into districts
called SATRAPS
 Built the great Royal Road system
 Established a complex postal
system.
 Created a network of spies called
“the King’s Eyes and Ears”
Why Did Darius Invade Greece?
• Invaded in response to the Ionian Revolt
• Greek city-states in Asia Minor, under Persian
rule, revolted against Persian satraps
• Revolting city-states were aided by Athens
• First major conflict between Greece and Persia
• Darius saw Greece as a threat to his empire
Xerxes
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Son of Darius
Invaded Greece after Darius’ death
Battled the Spartans at Thermopylae
Retreated to Asia
Left the conquest to his military
commanders (Mardonius)
• Persians defeated at the Battle of
Plataea and the Battle of Mycale
• Helped preserve western civilization
Persian Immortals
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10, 000 Strong
Imperial Guard / Army
Wicker Shield
Short Spear
Bows and Arrows
Fought for:
– Cyrus
– Darius
– Xerxes
Persian Immortals
Persian Archers & Soldiers
Ancient Persepolis
Persepolis
The People of Persepolis
Persian “Royal Road”
Provided a means of communication, trade, and
government control
Zarathustra [Zoroaster]
6th Century B.C.E.
Good Thoughts, Good Deed, Good Words
“Tree of Life”
Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil
Forces of good and evil battle each other…people must
choose between them
Ahura Mazda
“Holy Spirit”
Ahriman
“Destructive Spirit”
Influenced Judaism, Christianity, & Islam
Extent of Zoroastrianism
Zend-Avesta
(The “Book of Law”)
The “Sacred Fire”  the force to fight evil