After the fall of Assyria, the Orient was divided into four kingdoms that existed side by side. The Achaemenid Persian Empire brought order to this confusion and built a true great empire.
The Establishment and Expansion of the Achaemenid Dynasty
- Cyrus II (559–529 BCE): He conquered Media, Lydia, and Babylonia and established the empire. He is also known for freeing the Hebrews from the Babylonian Captivity.
- Cambyses II: He conquered Egypt (525 BCE).
- Darius I (522–486 BCE): He achieved the empire’s greatest extent and completed its organization.
The Rule of Darius I
He divided the empire into 20 administrative districts (satrapies) and governed them by sending satraps (provincial governors).
He developed the “Royal Road” (approximately 2700km between Susa and Sardis) and transmitted information through a relay system (the King’s Eyes and Ears).
A broad economy was achieved by unifying gold and silver coins and standardizing weights and measures.
He adopted a tolerant religious policy and respected the faiths and cultures of conquered peoples.
He divided the empire into 20 administrative districts (satrapies) and governed them by sending satraps (provincial governors).
He developed the “Royal Road” (approximately 2700km between Susa and Sardis) and transmitted information through a relay system (the King’s Eyes and Ears).
A broad economy was achieved by unifying gold and silver coins and standardizing weights and measures.
He adopted a tolerant religious policy and respected the faiths and cultures of conquered peoples.
Zoroastrianism and Cultural Heritage
Zoroastrianism, which originated in Persia, is characterized by the dualism of the good god Ahura Mazda and the evil god Ahriman. The concepts of heaven, hell, and the final judgment also influenced Judaism and Christianity.
Practice
- Give the name of the king who built the Achaemenid dynasty’s golden age and organized the empire into administrative districts.
- Give the name and length of the road developed by Darius I to govern the empire.
- Give the name of the supreme good god in Zoroastrianism.