Mesopotamian Geography
The Persian Empire
Cyrus the Great
Persian Royal Road
Persian Culture & Achievements
100
What are the two main rivers that flow through Mesopotamia?
The Tigris and the Euphrates
100
Where did the Persians come from?
East of Mesopotamia in modern-day Iran
100
After defeating the Medes, what did Cyrus the Great do?
Cyrus the Great combined all the Iranian tribes, including skilled horsemen.
100
Who started the construction of the Persian Royal Road?
Darius I
100
What did Persians bring to Mesopotamia with their religion Zoroastrianism?
They brought monotheism (the belief in one god) with Zoroastrianism.
200
What is the nickname for Mesopotamia?
"The Land Between Two Rivers"
200
What was the geography like in Persia?
The region has mountains, valleys, and deserts.
200
Which group/civilization did King Cyrus defeat to gain control of all Mesopotamia?
The Neo-Babylonian Empire
200
Why was the Persian Royal Road built?
It was built originally for the King to travel quickly in the Persian Empire.
200
Why are they considered the world's first "super power"?
They had a vast empire that was managed with efficient bureaucracy and military. They also were one of the first empires that was multicultural and spanned many nations.
300
What body of water is to the LEFT of Mesopotamia?
The Mediterranean Sea
300
When did the Persian Empire defeat the Chaldeans & the Neo-Babylonian Empire?
The Persians defeated the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 B.C.
300
Which group did Cyrus the Great include in Persian government?
The Medes
300
How long was the Persian Royal Road?
The Persian Royal Road is 1,500 miles long.
300
What are some typical Persian foods?
Rice, naan bread, yogurt, meat (lamb, chicken, or fish), onions, garlic, spices (cinnamon, saffron, clove)
400
What peninsula is to the south of Mesopotamia?
The Arabian Peninsula
400
How big was the Persian Empire at its best?
The Persian Empire stretched from Greece to India.
400
What did Cyrus the Great do with Babylon's Jewish captives?
Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish captives to return to their homeland.
400
Where did the Persian Royal Road start and end?
It started in Susa (near Persepolis) and ran into the city of Sardes in Lydia (Asia Minor).
400
What type of celebration was created to honor the birth of the Persian kings?
Birthday parties
500
What desert is near Mesopotamia?
The Syrian Desert
500
What year did the Persian Empire fall?
The Persian Empire fell in 329 B.C.
500
What is the Cyrus Cylinder?
It is a clay cylinder that gives a Babylonian account of the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus in 539 BC. It is a declaration of human rights, returning deported peoples and encouraging them to rebuild their temples.
500
What functions did the Persian Royal Road serve?
For travel, trade, and communication.
500
The yakhchal is a domed clay structure that was used to store ice and keep food cool. This is an early example of _____________.
Refrigeration.