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PERSIAN EMPIREDarius Expands the Empire
Darius Extends Persian Control• After Cyrusʼs death, weaker ruler= rebellions• Darius followed= put down revolts
• Conquered lands= India
• Persian Empire= 2,800 miles from E to W
Darius Extends Persian Control• Darius the Great (521-486 B.C.)
• Largest empire• Great administrator
• Achaemenid Empire= 70+ different ethnic groups
Darius Extends Persian Control• Centralized administration=communication throughout
empire• Capital=Persepolis
• Royal residences• Military quarters• Treasury
Political Organization • Divided into provinces
• Provinces—areas similar to states, each w/ local gov’t• Set up satraps—governors who ran provinces, collected taxes• Appointed military commanders for each satrap
Political Organization • Balance between central power & local• Most satraps were Persian w/ locals a posts• Imperial Spies= “kingʼs eyes and ears” helped him control
satraps
Uniting the Empire• Started use of Royal Road for gov’t purposes
• Royal mgs sent by relay • Asia Minor to Iran• Moved troops, mail, and promoted trade
• Law code based on Hammurabiʼs• Minted coins
Enemies of Persia• Darius died in 486 B.C.• Followed by son, Xerxes, who had to deal with Egypt and
Greece
Enemies of Persia• Xerxes (486-465 B.C.E.), flaunted Persian identity &
imposed values • Created ill will in Mesopotamia and Egypt
The Persian Wars (500 – 479 B.C.E.)• Greeks in Anatolia resented Persian governors
• Rebelled= expelling or executing governors
• Launched a series of conflicts= Persian Wars
The Persian Wars (500 – 479 B.C.E.)• 150 yrs, Persian empire fought w/ Greek cities
• Greek cities= too small & unorganized to pose a serious threat
• Standoff ended with the rise of Alexander of Macedon or Alexander the Great
• Persian Empire ended
Quick Review• How large did the Persian Empire grow?
• Where did Darius build the Persian capital?
• What were some of Darius’ strategies for controlling his large empire?
• Which leader struggled with tolerance?
• What brought an end to the Persian Empire
Venn Diagram: Cyrus vs. Darius vs. Xerxes