The Assyrian and Persian Empires

World History I

The Assyrian Empire• The Assyrian Empire was established on the Upper

Tigris River by 700 BC.– The Assyrians used iron weapons.– The Assyrian empire was ruled by kings whose power

was absolute.• The Assyrian army was large and well organized.– They used terror as an instrument of war.– They smashed dams, looted towns, burned crops, and

cut down trees.– They were also very violent toward their captives, often

torturing them.

The Persian Empire• The Persian Empire was established in the same

area where the Assyrian Empire flourished.– The Persian Empire expanded under the leadership of Cyrus.

– Known as Cyrus “the Great”, he had a reputation for mercy.

– He was accepted as ruler by the people he conquered.• He showed a respect for other civilizations.

– Cyrus’ successors extended the Persian Empire.• Cambyses conquered Egypt.• Darius extended the empire east to the Indus River.

The Persian Empire, cont.• Darius strengthened the Persian government.– He divided the empire into 20 satrapies, or provinces.– Each was ruled by a satrap (governor), who collected

taxes, oversaw law, and recruited soldiers.• Well maintained roads made travel easy for Persians.• Persian success was due in part to a strong military.• After Darius, Persian kings became ineffective.– As they increased taxes to gain personal wealth, the

empire declined.– There were constant struggles for the throne.– The weakened empire was conquered by Alexander the

Great in the 330s BC.