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Persian Empire. Darius Expands the Empire. Darius Extends Persian Control. After Cyrusʼs death, weaker ruler= rebellions Darius followed= put down revolts C onquered lands= India Persian Empire= 2,800 miles from E to W. Darius Extends Persian Control.
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Persian Empire Darius 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