Overview of Ancient Persian History and Culture

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45 Terms

1

Ancient Persian Empire

Largest empire at its peak, rivaled Rome.

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2

Elamites

Early civilization in Iran, capital Susa.

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3

Chogha Zanbil

Famous ziggurat built by Elamites.

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4

Aryans

Indo-Iranians who migrated into Persia around 1500 BC.

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5

Kingdom of Media

Established by Aryans, later conquered by Persia.

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6

Zoroastrianism

One of the oldest monotheistic religions, founded ~1000 BC.

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7

Ahura Mazda

Main deity in Zoroastrianism, god of wisdom.

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8

Faravahar

Symbol of Zoroastrianism, represents the soul.

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9

Hafez

Famous Persian lyric poet, themes include love and faith.

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10

Ferdowsi

Author of Shahnameh, preserving Persian culture.

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11

Achaemenid Empire

First Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.

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12

Cyrus the Great

Known for just rule, freed Jews from Babylon.

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13

Cyrus Cylinder

First human rights charter, listing Cyrus's policies.

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14

Darius the Great

Expanded empire, built Persepolis, no slavery.

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15

Persepolis

Grand palace complex built by Darius the Great.

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16

Hall of One Hundred Columns

Largest hall in Persepolis for royal ceremonies.

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17

Battle of Marathon

Darius I lost to Greek forces in 490 BC.

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18

Battle of Salamis

Xerxes I lost a naval battle to Greeks.

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19

Alexander the Great

Conquered Persia, burned Persepolis in 330 BC.

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20

Nader Shah

Rebuilt Persian Empire, known as Napoleon of Persia.

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21

Nowruz

Persian New Year, celebrated with various traditions.

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22

Haft Sin Table

Table of seven symbolic items for Nowruz.

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23

Chaharshanbe Suri

Fire-jumping festival before Nowruz, symbolizes light.

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24

Houses of Commoners

Lived in mud-brick dwellings with extended families; homes were simple, often single-story, with no privacy as multiple generations shared a space.

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25

Houses of Nobles

Lived in stone houses with gardens and courtyards, designed for social gatherings and often included a pavilion for entertainment.

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26

Skills Taught to Boys

Trained in horseback riding, archery, and sword fighting; learned honor, responsibility, and leadership.

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27

Skills Taught to Girls

Learned weaving, embroidery, and household management; some, especially from noble families, took on professional roles.

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28

Preparations for Nowruz

Include deep cleaning ('shaking the house'), shopping for new clothes and decorations, and buying fresh ingredients for Nowruz dishes.

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29

Haft Sin Table

A traditional display during Nowruz featuring seven symbolic items that start with 'S' (Sin in Persian), including sabzeh (rebirth) and serkeh (aging).

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30

Chaharshanbe Suri

The fire jumping festival held on the last Tuesday night before Nowruz, symbolizing the removal of illness and bad luck.

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31

Nowruz Celebrations

Involves visiting family, traditional dishes, and cultural figures like Haji Firuz and Amu Nowruz.

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32

Haji Firuz

A red-costumed figure who sings and dances in the streets during Nowruz celebrations.

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33

Amu Nowruz

An elderly man similar to Santa Claus, who gives cash to children during Nowruz.

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34

What is a Muslim?

A follower of Islam, meaning 'one who submits to God'.

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35

What Does Islam Mean?

Islam means 'submission to God' and is a monotheistic religion following Allah.

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36

Who Was Mohammad?

Born in 570 AD in Mecca, he is the last prophet in Islam, receiving revelations to form the Quran.

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37

Mecca

The holiest city in Islam, home to the Kaaba, where Muslims pray facing.

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38

Medina

Muhammad’s burial site and second holiest city, where he established the first Muslim community.

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39

Jerusalem

The third holiest city in Islam, believed to be where Muhammad ascended to heaven.

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40

Five Pillars of Islam

Core acts of worship: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

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41

What is a Rasul?

A messenger of God who receives divine revelations; Muhammad is the final Rasul.

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42

Angel Gabriel

Archangel who delivered messages from Allah to Muhammad and guided prophets across religions.

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43

Daily Prayer (Salah)

Five prayers per day: Fajr (before sunrise), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), Isha (night).

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44

Ishmael

Son of Abraham and ancestor of the Arab people, associated with the construction of the Kaaba.

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45

Skills in Science & Medicine

Persian and Islamic scholars made significant contributions in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, including figures like Avicenna.

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