Cyrus the Great conquered many neighboring kingdoms and established the Persian Empire through diplomacy rather than force. Unlike previous rulers like Sennacherib who brutally sacked cities, Cyrus respected local customs and religions. He allowed conquered peoples to govern themselves through appointed satraps while still maintaining control from the central Persian government. Darius later expanded the empire and standardized coinage and infrastructure like the Royal Road to help administer the large, diverse territory.

1. Persia Unites many Lands Chapter 4.3

2. The Rise of Persia Unlike the Assyrians who used force to control a vast empire, the Persians would use tolerance and diplomacy. After the Medes overthrew the Assyrian Empire in 612 B.C., they joined the Persians as the other major power in the region. Soon, the Persians would dominate even the Medes

3. Cyrus the Great Persian King that began a conquest of several neighboring kingdoms in Iran. Conquered the entire Fertile Crescent and most of Anatolia Although his military might was great, Cyrus would be remembered for his method of governing.

4. Differences in Leadership Sennacherib Burned and sacked 89 cities and 820 villages Killed most of the inhabitants, beheading many. Chose Assyrian or Assyrian-friendly kings to govern conquered lands. Levied heavy taxes on the conquered. Cyrus His generals enforced strict discipline against looting and burning. Honored the local customs and religions of the conquered Knelt to pray in the local temple. Babylon opened it’s gates for Cyrus to enter, a bloodless victory for Cyrus Allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem.

5. Persian Rule and Religion Cambyses: Cyrus’ son Extended the Persian Empire into Egypt, but scorned the Egyptian religion. Destroyed many of the Egyptian statues of their idols and gods After his death, many rebellions broke out. Darius Started as the king’s bodyguard With the help of soldiers, claimed the throne. Expanded the empire , over 2500 miles east to west Divided his empire into 20 provinces. After Cyrus’ death, his successors had both successes and failures.

6. Persian Empire 500 B.C.

7. Provinces and satraps Darius divided his empire into 20 provinces. These “nationalities”: Practiced their own religion Spoke their own language Had their own laws Although these groups had many freedoms, Darius still ruled absolutely. Installed satraps, or governors, in each province, which ruled under his command They were kept honest by inspectors, who he called his “eyes and ears”

8. Keeping the Empire together The Royal Road Linked his empire together Manufacturing coins First use of standardized coins

9. The Royal Road

10. Persian Religion Zoroaster: Persian Prophet who lived around 600 B.C. Helped people deal with the suffering and chaos they dealt with every day. Taught that 2 armies fight for possession of your soul Ahura Mazda leads the good army Ahriman leads the bad Each person, at their death, would be judged on their life. Followers of Mazda would be lifted into paradise. Followers of Ahriman would burn forever in a fiery pit. Sound familiar?