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Classical Civilizations of the WEST

Classical Civilizations of the WEST. PERSIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG8Vfr3onHI. Extent of Persian Empire – 490 BCE. Cyrus the Great – (mid 6 th c. BCE). Cyrus the Great – (mid 6 th c. BCE). Short clip about Cyrus the Great from Engineering an Empire (2:54 minutes)

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Classical Civilizations of the WEST

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  1. Classical Civilizations of the WEST PERSIA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG8Vfr3onHI

  2. Extent of Persian Empire – 490 BCE

  3. Cyrus the Great – (mid 6th c. BCE)

  4. Cyrus the Great – (mid 6th c. BCE) Short clip about Cyrus the Great from Engineering an Empire (2:54 minutes) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4_4QC3xXBI

  5. Cyrus the Great – (mid 6th c. BCE) • Created the 1st “largest” empire • Tolerant of all religions • smart way to keep “control” • Champion of safe trade • Freed the Jews from Babylon • His reign lasted about 30 years (died at 46) • His sons could not retain control • 7 years after his death – Darius takes control

  6. Persian Empire - Geography • Core located in present-day IRAN • Capital City at Persepolis • Extended from Asia Minor to North Africa (Egypt) across the Middle East to the Indus Valley

  7. Persian Empire - Religion • Zoroaster created a MONOTHEISTIC religion in which people determine their fate by the choices they make • AHURA MAZDA was the only god • Concept of heaven & hell

  8. Persian Empire - Achievements • Royal Road connected all parts of the empire • Used to improve trade • Used for postal system • Used to deploy military (if needed) • Magnificent Capital Palaces

  9. Persian Empire - POLITICAL • Monarchy – but local rulers allowed to retain positions of power. • Empire divided into provinces / states called SATRAPIES and representatives of Cyrus (satraps) would “advise” the local leaders and collect taxes. • Relatively peaceful

  10. Persian Empire - Economy • Extensive trade network used Royal Road with “safe” inns (caravanserai) • Standardized Coins • Standard weights & measures • Effective system of taxes • Compare to peace on the Silk Road during the time of the Mongols

  11. Persian Empire - Social • Because of Religious & Social Tolerance Persian Empire remembered as 1st empire concerned with “human rights”. • Cyrus the Great “released” Jews from captivity when he conquered Babylon.

  12. Persian Wars • The Greeks and especially the Athenians humiliated the Persians. • This led to the rise of the Greek Classical Civilization and the eventual end of the Persian Civilization

  13. Persian Wars – Part 1490 BCE - Marathon • The power of Persia was not questioned. • Darius sent army to Greece to “scold” them for helping inhabitants of a Greek colony that had been absorbed into Persian Empire and tried to revolt. (Ionian War) • Army of Darius defeated by Athenians at Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE. • 26 miles / NIKE / Drop Dead

  14. Marathon Dead: 6400 Persians / 196 Athenians

  15. Persian Wars – Part 2480 BCE – Thermopylae & Salamis • Massive army sent to seek revenge (at least 200,000 experienced soldiers) • Bridge of ships built across the Dardanelles (about 1 mile) • Army “delayed” by King Leonidas and 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. Athens burned. • Navy defeated by Athenians at sea battle of Salamis (off coast of Athens)

  16. King Leonidas of Sparta

  17. Persian Wars – Part 3Athens Enters its Golden AGE • As a result of defeating the Persians Athens takes the position of leadership in Greece. • That’s the link to Persia – now let’s go back and talk about Greece.

  18. Persian Empire Terms/Names to Remember • Cyrus the Great • Darius • Xerxes • Zoroaster • Persepolis • satraps / satrapies • Royal Road

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