The Persian Empire

World History – Libertyville HS

Who were the Persians?• Centered in modern Iran,

which literally means “Land of the Aryans”

• At its height, Empire covered parts of three continents – Asia, Europe, and Africa– In 5th C. BC, about 45% of

world’s population was part of Empire

– It covered over 1 million square miles, from Indus R. to Nile R.

Persian Empire, at greatest extent

The Achaemenid Dynasty

• Dynasty founded by Cyrus the Great (576-530 BC)– Achaemenid ruler was

considered a god– “Divine right of kings”

justified rule– All people were

supposed to prostrate when in presence of Emperor

Prostration (center)

The Achaemenid Dynasty

• Established a vast empire– Expanded westward to defeat

Neo-Babylonians• Ended “Babylonian Captivity”• Allowed Jews to return to Israel

– Cyrus died fighting the Egyptians in 530 BC

Conquests of Cyrus the Great

Darius, “King of Kings” (521-486 BC)

• Perfected the administration of large empire– Divided empire into satraps

(provinces) ruled by Persian governor

– Governor oversaw local client kings

– Duties• Collect taxes and tribute• Administered justice• Ran the bureaucracy that

administered satrap• Acted as “General in Chief” of

local military forces

Satraps of Persia, circa 500 BC

Darius, “King of Kings”• Maintained large standing

army and bureaucracy• Darius also maintained a

network of spies who kept tabs on governors and client kings

• Also had large postal service

• Road system and “Royal Road”, from Susa, throughout empire, to Turkish coast

Royal Road (in red) – couriers could coverIts 1677 mile distance in 7 days!

Client Kings• During expansion, Persians

would request soil and water from neighbor who was targeted for conquest– Signified submission to Persian

King of Kings– If submitted, local ruler would

become Client King• Swear allegiance to KoK• Send in tribute and troops when

required• Otherwise left alone to manage

own people – did not interfere with local customs, religions, etc.

Client king (L) receiving visitors

Client Kings• If refused, Persians invaded

territory– Conquer people, kill ruler and

his family– Sought out surviving

nobleman to become client king

• Persian system widely supported by subjects & client kings, because they preserved local rules and ruled subjects with a very light touch