Overview of Ancient Persian History and Culture

Ancient Persian Empire

Largest empire at its peak, rivaled Rome.

Elamites

Early civilization in Iran, capital Susa.

Chogha Zanbil

Famous ziggurat built by Elamites.

Aryans

Indo-Iranians who migrated into Persia around 1500 BC.

Kingdom of Media

Established by Aryans, later conquered by Persia.

Zoroastrianism

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

Ahura Mazda

Main deity in Zoroastrianism, god of wisdom.

Faravahar

Symbol of Zoroastrianism, represents the soul.

Hafez

Famous Persian lyric poet, themes include love and faith.

Ferdowsi

Author of Shahnameh, preserving Persian culture.

Achaemenid Empire

First Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great.

Cyrus the Great

Known for just rule, freed Jews from Babylon.

Cyrus Cylinder

First human rights charter, listing Cyrus's policies.

Darius the Great

Expanded empire, built Persepolis, no slavery.

Persepolis

Grand palace complex built by Darius the Great.

Hall of One Hundred Columns

Largest hall in Persepolis for royal ceremonies.

Battle of Marathon

Darius I lost to Greek forces in 490 BC.

Battle of Salamis

Xerxes I lost a naval battle to Greeks.

Alexander the Great

Conquered Persia, burned Persepolis in 330 BC.

Nader Shah

Rebuilt Persian Empire, known as Napoleon of Persia.

Nowruz

Persian New Year, celebrated with various traditions.

Haft Sin Table

Table of seven symbolic items for Nowruz.

Chaharshanbe Suri

Fire-jumping festival before Nowruz, symbolizes light.

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.

Houses of Nobles

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

Skills Taught to Boys

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

Skills Taught to Girls

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

Preparations for Nowruz

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

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).

Chaharshanbe Suri

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

Nowruz Celebrations

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

Haji Firuz

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

Amu Nowruz

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

What is a Muslim?

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

What Does Islam Mean?

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

Who Was Mohammad?

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

Mecca

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

Medina

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

Jerusalem

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

Five Pillars of Islam

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

What is a Rasul?

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

Angel Gabriel

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

Daily Prayer (Salah)

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

Ishmael

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

Skills in Science & Medicine

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