MIDEAST Day 14: The Persian and Hellenistic Periods

Classroom Protocol and Engagement

  • Importance of being on camera during virtual classes.

  • Students must turn on their cameras or face removal from the class.

  • Engagement and participation are encouraged.

  • Class format discussed.

  • Questions can be submitted via comment section in chat.

  • Electronic hand-raising feature will be utilized to address questions.

  • Reminder to avoid distractions during the class.

Midterm Details

  • Notification about an upcoming midterm exam.

  • Overview of the midterm review sheet.

  • Students were asked if they have seen the review sheet; many raised hands in acknowledgment.

  • Review sheet contains crucial information, requiring careful reading.

  • Midterm scheduled for the week after next:

    • Two potential dates mentioned (Monday and Tuesday).

    • Exam will be held in the evening, not in the regular classroom.

    • Students must choose their exam date and location (MLB Building, Angel Hall, etc.).

  • Required materials for the exam:

    • Only two items: a writing instrument (preferably multiple) and a blue book (the official exam writing book).

    • Clarification on permissible formats for writing the exam.

Exam Format and Content

  • Structure of the exam explained:

    • Section will require students to draw a map including geographical units and specific locations.

    • Five specific places will be given; students can choose three.

    • Brief descriptions required for chosen places to demonstrate knowledge.

  • Reference to the review sheet for a list of locations and important details about the exam.

  • Importance of understanding the content as delineated in the review session and further review opportunities before the exam.

Cyrus's Role and Historical Context

Persian Period Overview

  • Introduction to the Persian period, which follows the Babylonians and precedes the Hellenistic period.

  • Key dates:

    • The fall of the Northern Kingdom at approximately 720-722 BC.

    • The fall of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) in May 586 BC.

  • The Persians, arising from modern Iran, defeated the Babylonians and ruled over the Middle East from approximately 586 BC to 332 BC.

  • Historical significance of the Persian period concerning contemporary Middle Eastern issues.

Deportation and Return of Exiles

  • Discussed the concept of deportation undertaken by empires like the Assyrians and Babylonians as a means of control.

  • Cyrus the Great, unique among ancient conquerors, implemented a policy of repatriation.

  • He allowed deported peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.

  • This policy is detailed in the Cyrus Cylinder, which describes his benevolent approach to conquered peoples and their religious practices.