Political and Urban Organization
The Persians organized their empire into these smaller geographic regions, around 20 of them, to better control the size of their territory and be more responsive to the unique culture of each local area.
Provinces
He was the leader that unified the Persian people in 559 BC, overthrew the Medes in 550, and then went on to conquer vast amounts of land in founding the Persian Empire until his death in 530 BC.
Cyrus the Great
The Persians tasked these regional governors to preside over subsections of the empire. Ultimately, these regional governors were subordinate to the emperor himself.
Satraps
This series of transportation upgrades was built by Darius I of Persia and led to easier travel and trade throughout the empire. Messengers on horseback could even travel 1700 miles in 7 days due to this development!
Persian Royal Road
He dramatically expanded the size of the Persian Empire, building roads, establishing provinces, and conquering new territory as far east as India. Near the end of his reign, his failed invasion of Greece in 490 BC started the Greco-Persian Wars.
Darius I
This battle occurred in 490 BC, when the Persians invaded Greece near Athens. This battle saw the advanced tactics, leadership, and equipment of the Athenian and Plataean forces defeat the Persian army.
Battle of Marathon
The ancient Persians practiced this faith, which is characterized by monotheism and dualsim (the battle between good and evil). Followers are encouraged to pursue good during the course of their lifetime. What is the name of this faith?
Zoroastrianism
In 480 BC, the Persian army attempted its second invasion of Greece during the Greco-Persian War. This battle occurred when 7,000 Greek soldiers, led by the Spartan king, Leonidas, held off between 120,000 and 300,000 Persian forces for three days. In the end, a Greek traitor helped lead the Persians to victory.
Battle of Thermopylae