Persian Geography
& Royal Road
& Royal Road
The Persian Empire could be found on these three continents.
Asia, Africa, Europe
How were the militaries of Cyrus and Cambyses similar?
- Used men on horseback/camels
- Bows, arrows, leather armor/boots
- Expanded Persia
The Phoenicians used and lived on what body of water?
Mediterranean Sea
This resource was the most valuable and became a symbol of royalty.
Purple Dye (Murex)
The Phoenician religion can best be described as:
Polytheistic
These rivers could be found within the Persian Empire's borders.
Nile, Tigris, Euphrates, Indus
What religious actions did Cambyses take as emperor?
- No religious tolerance
- Burned Egyptian temples/religious artefacts
- Forbid practicing Egyptian religion
Where did the Phoenicians establish colonies?
Spain, North Africa, Mediterranean Islands
It held up in saltwater by not bending/breaking/rotting.
How did the Phoenician way of writing differ from other civilizations?
They had the first alphabet, and did not use cuneiform or hieroglyphics
Describe the Relay Stations along the Royal Road.
- Served as rest stops for travelers (food, lodging)
- Could get new horses
- Stationed every 15 miles
Name 3 places Cyrus conquered as emperor.
Asia Minor, Babylonia, Mesopotamia, Indus River Valley, Assyria
Name 3 resources the Phoenicians had in their homeland.
Cedar Wood, Purple Dye (Murex), Wine, Wool, Glassware
Blown glass
How did the Phoenicians navigate the seas?
Using constellations, lighthouses, seamarks/landmarks
What was the purpose of the Royal Road?
- Trade within the Persian Empire
- Communication across long distances
- Easier travel from east to west across Persia
What was the Cyrus Cylinder?
World's first human rights document. Promoted freedom and equality for all people.
Name 4 Phoenician city-states and/or colonies
- City-States: Sidon, Tyre, Byblos, Baalbek
- Colony: Carthage, Utica, Cadiz
Who did the Phoenicians compete with in trading? Where were their colonies located?
Competed with Greece. Had colonies in Italy, Asia Minor, and Egypt.
Describe the Phoenician Hippo Warship. What did it look like, and what could it do in wartime?
- Colorful, 3 sets of sails, eye painted on bow meant to intimidate, powered by oars
- Ram into enemy ships to sink them, bridge to connect to enemy vessel to fight man to man
Describe the role of a currier.
A royal messenger who could travel the Royal Road in 7 days.
What strategies did Darius use to govern the Persian Empire?
- Divided the empire into 20 provinces split by culture/language/religion
- Satraps as province governors/local rulers
- "Kings Eyes and Ears" to keep watch on locals
- Ten Thousand Immortals to stop rebellions
Why did the Phoenicians need to expand overseas?
The Phoenicians lived on a narrow strip of land between ocean and mountains, and lacked resources for their population.
What were colonies? What were their purpose for the Phoenicians?
- Distant place controlled and inhabited by another civilization
- Meant to get resources, trade with other civilizations, bring goods/wealth back to Phoenician homeland
Describe the government of Phoenicia.
Not one unified country, instead individual city-states had their own laws, rules, and government leaders.