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