The Rise of the Persian Empire

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on the rise of the Persian Empire, focusing on figures, events, and cultural developments.

Cyrus the Great

Founder of the Persian Empire, known for his military prowess and cultural tolerance.

Pasargad

The capital city built by Cyrus the Great.

Kanat System

An ancient irrigation system developed by the Persians and Medes to transport groundwater.

Darius I

Cyrus's successor who expanded and organized the Persian Empire efficiently.

Persepolis

Darius's new capital that showcased a mix of architectural styles from the extent of the empire.

Zoroastrianism

The official religion of the Persian Empire, founded by the prophet Zoroaster.

Carthage

A wealthy Phoenician city-state in North Africa, target of Persian expansion.

Medes

An ancient Iranian people who were eventually conquered by the Persians.

Indo-European Pastoralists

Nomadic peoples who migrated from the steppes into various parts of Europe and Asia, including Persia.

Irrigation

The process of supplying water to agriculture, crucial for the development of Persian society.

Cultural Tolerance

A policy of allowing diverse cultural practices and religions among conquered peoples.

Taxation

A monetary system implemented by Cyrus for maintaining the empire.

Royal Road

A network of roads built by Darius to facilitate communication and trade across the empire.

Akkad

An ancient city and a major power in Mesopotamia before the rise of the Persians.

Xerxes

Son of Darius I who continued the conflict against the Greek city-states.

Hellenes

The ancient Greeks, characterized by many independent city-states.

City-state (Polis)

A small, independent political unit consisting of a city and its surrounding territory.

Magna Graecia

A term referring to the coastal areas of Southern Italy colonized by Greek settlers.

Peloponnesian War

A conflict between the Greek city-states led by Athens and Sparta, influenced by Persian interference.

Cyrus’s Edict

Cyrus' decree allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple after Babylonian captivity.

Assyrians

An ancient empire known for its military prowess but poor governance.

Military Strategy

Darius's focus on logistical efficiency and road-building to ensure rapid deployment of troops.

Population Boom

A significant increase in population due to agricultural advancements stemming from irrigation.

Diplomacy

Cyrus's method of rule that involved negotiation and respect for local customs.

Agricultural Innovation

Improvements in farming techniques, like the Kanat system, that supported Persian society.

Empire

A vast political structure governing multiple territories and ethnic groups, such as the Persian Empire.

Cultural Exchange

The sharing of cultural practices and ideas between different societies, promoted by the Persian Empire.

Tigris and Euphrates

The major river system in Mesopotamia where significant early civilizations developed.

Sculptural Reliefs

Artworks decorating the Parthenon, symbolizing Athenian pride and identity.

Catapult

A weapon Cambyses reportedly used in psychological warfare against Egyptians.

Himalayas

Not directly referenced, but indicative of the geographic expanse of the Persian Empire.

Trade Network

A vast system of commerce established to reinforce economic ties within the Persian Empire.

Cultural Heritage

The legacy of previously conquered civilizations, which the Persians incorporated into their empire.

Administration

The system Darius used to divide the Persian Empire into manageable provinces.

Empire Building

The process of expanding territorial control; a primary focus of Cyrus and Darius.

Historical Narrative

The story of past events formed by historical records, such as the accounts of Persian rulers.

Colonization

The establishment of new settlements in distant lands, often by the Greeks during ancient times.

Ideology

A system of ideas that influenced the policies of Persian rulers like Cyrus and Darius.

Artistic Symbolism

The use of art to convey cultural values, as seen in the architecture of Persepolis.

Fire Temples

Religious sites of Zoroastrianism that symbolized the importance of fire in Persian culture.

Cavalry Units

Highly mobile fighting forces that played a crucial role in the Persian military.

City Planning

The organization of urban layouts, particularly in new capitals like Persepolis.

Religious Tolerance

Allowing diverse religious practices within an empire, notably under Cyrus.

Dynastic Rule

The lineage of rulers from the same family, like the succession from Cyrus to Cambyses to Darius.

Eastern Mediterranean

A region encompassing important ancient civilizations, targeted by Persian expansion.

Plunder

The act of seizing goods during warfare, common in ancient conquests including Persian campaigns.

Art and Culture

Expressions of creativity that reflect societal values and beliefs in the ancient world.

Medicinal Practices

Ancient health care approaches that may have included herbal applications in the Persian context.

Fortifications

Defense structures built by the Persians to protect their cities and territories.

Cultural Symbolism

The representation of significant ideas through different cultural practices in the Persian Empire.

Monumental Architecture

Large structures commemorating important historical figures, such as those built for Cyrus.

Historical Identity

The sense of belonging and cultural heritage that emerged with the growth of the Persian Empire.