PERSIAN EMPIREDarius Expands the Empire

Darius Extends Persian Control• After Cyrusʼs death, weaker ruler= rebellions• Darius followed= put down revolts

• Conquered lands= India

• Persian Empire= 2,800 miles from E to W

Darius Extends Persian Control• Darius the Great (521-486 B.C.)

• Largest empire• Great administrator

• Achaemenid Empire= 70+ different ethnic groups

Darius Extends Persian Control• Centralized administration=communication throughout

empire• Capital=Persepolis

• Royal residences• Military quarters• Treasury

Political Organization • Divided into provinces

• Provinces—areas similar to states, each w/ local gov’t• Set up satraps—governors who ran provinces, collected taxes• Appointed military commanders for each satrap

Political Organization • Balance between central power & local• Most satraps were Persian w/ locals a posts• Imperial Spies= “kingʼs eyes and ears” helped him control

satraps

Uniting the Empire• Started use of Royal Road for gov’t purposes

• Royal mgs sent by relay • Asia Minor to Iran• Moved troops, mail, and promoted trade

• Law code based on Hammurabiʼs• Minted coins

Enemies of Persia• Darius died in 486 B.C.• Followed by son, Xerxes, who had to deal with Egypt and

Greece

Enemies of Persia• Xerxes (486-465 B.C.E.), flaunted Persian identity &

imposed values • Created ill will in Mesopotamia and Egypt

The Persian Wars (500 – 479 B.C.E.)• Greeks in Anatolia resented Persian governors

• Rebelled= expelling or executing governors

• Launched a series of conflicts= Persian Wars

The Persian Wars (500 – 479 B.C.E.)• 150 yrs, Persian empire fought w/ Greek cities

• Greek cities= too small & unorganized to pose a serious threat

• Standoff ended with the rise of Alexander of Macedon or Alexander the Great

• Persian Empire ended

Quick Review• How large did the Persian Empire grow?

• Where did Darius build the Persian capital?

• What were some of Darius’ strategies for controlling his large empire?

• Which leader struggled with tolerance?

• What brought an end to the Persian Empire

Venn Diagram: Cyrus vs. Darius vs. Xerxes