Chapter 7

Nomadic society

importance of family and clan relationships

Seleucus

inherited most of Achaemenid when Alexander died. Retained the Achaemenid system of administration

Sasanid Merchants

introduced cultivation of rice, sugar cane, citrus fruits, eggplants, and cotton from India and China

Alexander of Macedon

invaded Persia in 334 B.C.E.

Who did Cyrus battle?

Croesus

Shapur I

(239-272 C.E.); created buffer states with Romans; standoff with Kushan

Parthian Government

followed the example of Achaemenid administration but satraps had more power, capital at Ctesiphon

The Sasanids

from Persia, toppled Parthians; ruled 224-651 C.E.

Imperial spies

"The eyes and ears of the king"

Where was Persia located?

Iran

Cambyses

conquered Egypt in 525

Who founded the Achaemenid empire?

Cyrus the Achaemenid (or Shepherd) from (558-530). Established a vast empire from India to borders of Egypt

Who took the Achaemenid empire over?

Cyrus's son, Cambyses (reigned 530-522 B.C.E.)

Revival of Zoroastrianism

Officially sponsored Zoroastrianism during the Sasanid empire. Persecuted other faiths

Seleucids Decline

Opposition from native Persians; lost control over northern India and Iran; Semi nomadic Parthians progressively took over Iran

Communication System

Organized courier service and built 111 postal station along the royal road

Mithrades I

Parthian's greatest conquerer and established a empire through conquests from 171-155 B.C.E.

Parthians

Power of Parthian was heavy cavalry. No centralized gov until later, skillful warriors

Magi

Priests who transmitted teachings orally. During the Sasinid empire, magi started to compile teachings into the Avesta

Slaves

Prisoners of war and debtors. Slaves had no freedom, couldn't move or marry at will

What was the first empire of Persia and how long did it last?

The Achaemenids from 558 - 330 BCE

Influence of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism influenced Judaism, Christianity, and later, Islam.

Satrapies

administrative and taxation districts governed by satraps

Parthian Empire

based in Iran, extend to Mesopotamia. They retained many customs of the nomadic people from the steppes of central Asia. (247BCE- 224CE)

Free Classes

bulk of Persian society; participated in religious observances and the right to share income from the temples

Alexander and Zoroastrianism

burned many temples and killed numerous magi. Many hymns and holy verses disappered

Zarathustra

created Zoroastrianism. Flourished from 1200 - 1000 BCE. He left his family when he was 20 in search of wisdom. H traveled and experienced vision that he was prophet

Popularity of Zoroastrianism

grows from sixth century B.C.E. Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites. Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God. Most popular in Iran; followings in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and more

What was the population of Darius's empire?

population of thirty-five million, largest empire the world has seen

Leniency of Rulers

pursued a policy of toleration in administering their vast multicultural empire

Xerxes

reigned 486-465 B.C.E.). Retreated from the policy of cultural toleration. Caused ill will and rebellions among the peoples in Mesopotamia and Egypt

Persepolis

the nerve center of Persia

Qanat

underground canals that enhance agricultural production and population growth

The Persian Wars

(500-479 B.C.E.)Rebellion of Ionian Greeks. Persian rulers failed to put down the rebellion, sparred for 150 years

Who did the Persians invade?

Challenged the Assyrian and Babylonian empires

Sasanid Fall

Continual conflict; Arab warrior killed the last Sasanid ruler. In 651 C.E., empire incorporated into Islamic empire

Seleucids

323 - 83 BCE ruled by Seleucus

Agriculture

Agriculture was the economic foundation of Persia. Barley and wheat were most commonly cultivated. Beer and wine were most common beverages.

Who was the supreme deity?

Ahura Mazda (the wise lord)

Zoroastrian teachings

Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six lesser deities. Cosmic conflict between Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil). Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and punishment. The material world as a blessing. Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds

Other faiths

Also the 3 religions of salvation Buddhism, Christianity, Manichaeism, Judaism arose in Persia

Persian Royal Road

parts were paved in stone, went for 2575km. Caravans took 90 days to travel this road

Fall of Achaemenid Empire

Battle of Gaugamela, the end of Achaemenid empire, in 331 B.C.E. Alexander burned the city of Persepolis

Cyrus's conquest

Became king of Persian tribes in 558 B.C.E. All of Iran under his control by 548 B.C.E. He ruled from Pasagardae.

Who was the greatest Achaemenid emperor?

Darius (reigned 521-486 B.C.E.); largest extent of empire;

The Battle of Marathon

Darius attempted to conquer Greek cities. They had to phase hostile environments and fragile lines of supplies. Darius suffered a defeat at the battle of Marathon in 490 BCE.

Darius's empire

Diverse empire, seventy ethnic groups. New capital at Persepolis, 520 B.C.E.

Trade

Happened on the Persian Royal Road and over seas. Specialization of production in different regions

What did Darius do for the Jews?

He allowed them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 587BCE

Imperial bureaucrats

Imperial administration called for educated bureaucrats. Shared power and influence with warriors and clan leaders

Cyrus's Fall

In 530 BCE, Cyrus was wounded while protecting the northeastern front from nomads.

Free Classes included

In the city: artisans, craftsmen, merchants, civil servants; In the countryside: peasants, some of whom were building underground canals (qanat)

Who were the Persians?

Indo-European speakers, sharing cultural traits with Aryans

Decline of Zoroastrianism

Islamic conquerors toppled the Sasanid Empire, seventh century C.E.. Some Zoroastrians fled to India (Parsis). Most Zoroastrians in Persia converted to Islam. Some Zoroastrians still exist in modern-day Iran

Standardized Coins

Lydians used them in 640 BCE, Cyrus adapted them when he captured their empire. They were precisely measured and guaranteed value.

Early Persian Religion

Many same gods as Aryans, hallucinogenic agent called haoma

When and where did the Persian migrate from?

Medes and Persians migrated from central Asia to Persia before 1000 B.C.E.

Parthian Fall

Rebellious satraps and Roman pressure weakened the empire. It eventually collapsed due to internal rebellion.

How did Darius improve admin efficiency?

Replaced irregular tribute payments with formal taxes. To expedite payments standardization of coins (from Lydian rulers) and laws occurred.

Darius's expansion

Ruled from Indus to Aegan Sea (3000 km), Armenia to the first cataract of the Nile in the South (1500km)

Satraps and local officials

Satraps were Persian, but they often recruited local officials to fill admin posts

How did rulers maintain their power?

Satraps' power was checked by military officers and "imperial spies" conducted surprise audits

Gathas

The Gathas, Zarathustra's hymns in honor of deities

Achaemenid administration

Twenty-three satrapies (Persian governors), appointed by central government

Commonwealth

law, justice, administration led to political stability and public works