Persia 1

Geographic Locations

  • Sardis

  • Memphis

  • Egypt

  • Thebes

  • Ancient Persia

  • Assyria

  • Ashur

  • Niniveh

  • Bactria

  • Parthia

  • Susa

  • Babylon

  • Babylonia

  • Pasargadae

  • Persepolis

  • Maka

Greek Views of Eastern Civilizations

  • "Othering" of Eastern Civilizations

    • Greek feelings of pride and self-confidence leading to triumphalism.

    • Demonization of foreign peoples and cultures.

    • Concept of “Western civilization” as an ideal.

Origins of the Persians

  • Likely origins are in the region of southern Russia.

  • The Persians were semi-nomadic and later migrated south, assimilating into local populations.

  • They settled in the Iranian region prior to 700 BCE.

The Achaemenid Dynasty

  • Cyrus the Great

    • Born circa 600 BCE, a descendant of Achaemenes.

    • Established the Achaemenid Empire and expanded it significantly.

    • Died around 530 BCE.

  • Cambyses II

    • Son of Cyrus, expanded the empire to include Egypt.

    • His reign was tumultuous and lasted approximately 8 years.

  • Darius I

    • Came to power in 522 BCE after the overthrow of Cambyses II’s brother, Bardiya (also known as Smerdis and Gaumata).

    • Expanded Persian authority following Cyrus' and Cambyses' reigns.

Satrapies and Empire Administration

  • Illustrating the satrapies under Darius I:

    • Regions like Scythia, Macedonia, Thrace, and Armenia.

    • Each satrapy had local governors known as satraps.

    • Responsibilities included maintaining order and collecting tribute.

  • Significance of having a structure to manage revolts and conflicts within the royal family, including the challenges between Cambyses II and Bardiya.

Religion under the Achaemenids

  • Satraps instructed to allow tolerance for different religions and customs.

  • Notable events include:

    • Cyrus' liberation of the Jews, mentioned in Biblical texts.

    • A letter from Darius warning a satrap against disrespecting the deity Apollo.

Greek Perspectives on Persian Religion

  • Accounts from Herodotus and Plato.

  • Zoroastrianism:

    • Core themes include the dualism of good versus evil and the significance of free will.

    • The prophet is Zarathustra and the supreme entity is Ahura Mazda.

    • Central conflict revolves around “the Lie.”

    • Connections made to the governance of Persian kings.

Communication within the Persian Empire

  • Utilized a network of wide and well-maintained roads.

  • Road system enabled swift communication across the empire.

    • Employed horse-changing posts known as pirradaziš.

    • Each post was manned with a horse and rider ready for immediate travel.

Economic and Administrative Cohesion

  • Empire maintained cohesion and control through the collection of tribute from the satellite regions (satrapies).

Cultural Impact and Notable Structures

  • Persépolis: Significant cultural site during the Achaemenid Empire.

    • Depicted in Persepolis, the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi.

  • Apadana: Reference to an important architectural feature in Persepolis.