This is Persia…

Built on earlier Central Asian and Mesopotamian civilizations, Persia developed the largest empire in the world.

How did Persia govern its empire?

WHI.4a

Oldest Civilization

Iron Technology

Hebrews

WHI.4aPersians as rulers• Tolerance (acceptance) of conquered

peoples– King Cyrus did not allow his soldiers to loot or

burn cities as they were conquered– He also freed the Jews to return to their

homeland (Jerusalem)• Emperor Darius I developed an imperial

bureaucracy– Territory was divided in provinces; each ruled by a

satrap– Appointed “Kings Eyes & Ears,” Army leaders, and

tax collectors• Road system

– Royal couriers delivered messages

“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” -Herodotus

Royal Roads

Zoroastrianism

• Zoroastrianism was the main Persian religion, although other religions were tolerated.

• Practice of Zoroastrianism– Religion of Persia– Belief in two opposing

forces in the universe

Zoroastrianism• According to this religion, a single wise god named Ahura Mazda fought a constant battle with the prince of lies and evil.

• Each individual would one day have to choose between them.

• On a final judgment day, each person will be judged for his or her actions in life. (heaven or hell!!!)

The Downfall of Persia

• Emperor Darius and his son, Xerxes, attempted to conquer Greece…they both failed

AncientPers

ia

Imperial

Bureaucracy

Zoroastrianism

Royal Roads

& Courier

s

Tolerant of

Conquered

People

Roads

Imperial bureaucracy

Tolerance of conquered people

Zoroastrianism