The Persian Empire

Rise of the Persian Empire

Persian expansion leads to empire under Cyrus (r. 558-529BCE) and successors that control Middle East

Stretched from Egypt to India, encompassed 35-50 million people (very diverse!)

Preconditions

Empire began in modern day Iran Two main groups in the area: Medes

and Persians Persian king, Cyrus II, began to build

up his power; united with Babylonians & defeated the Medes in 550BCE

Formed a united empire – Achaemenid Dynasty

Persian conquests quickly reached from Egypt to India

Methods of Expansion & Rule

Used combination of dominance and hegemony Kings = absolute monarchs,

crushed any rebellion BUT, allowed former “kings” to

maintain control & respected non-Persian cultural traditions

Imperial Administration

Satraps – Persian governors in each of the empire’s 23 provinces

System of imperial spies serve as “eyes and ears of the King”

Persian bureaucracy serves as model for future regimes Administrators, tax collectors, record

keepers, translators, etc.

Height of the Empire Wealthy!

Standardized system of coinage Early version of “Suez Canal”, and “Royal Road” facilitated trade and

communication Predictable taxes levied on each province Built elaborate capital, Persepolis; reflected immense wealth and

power

Decline of the Persian Empire

Overexpansion! Clashes with Greece! Eventually defeated by Alexander

the Great (c. 330 BCE)

Persian Empire Activity

Form a small reading group (no more than 4)

Read the provided selection from Herodotus, “On the Customs of the Persians”

Discuss and take notes on Herodotus’s descriptions of Persian customs

Use the provided note taking guide

Be ready to discuss…

Does Herodotus’s account strike you as being fair and free from bias? Point to examples from the text to support your position. What kind of problem may arise for historians and students of history when primary sources are scarce?

Your Homework

Read pages 134-139 in chapter 5 of your textbook

Read the provided overview of the Persian Empire and its key leaders Cyrus II (the Great) Cambyses (Hot Mess) Darius (Sketchy rise to power but pretty capable) Xerxes (Nail in coffin)

Prepare your responses to the discussion questions and be ready for a fishbowl during our next class!