Cyrus the Great and the Persian Empire

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Founded by Cyrus II, also known as "Cyrus the Great"

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Rose to power in the mid-500s BCE from modern Southern Iran and united Persian tribes with Medes.

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Conquests of Cyrus the Great

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Conquered Babylon, Lydia (Asia Minor), and Assyria.

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Characteristics of Persian Rule

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Known for being a kindler, gentler empire compared to Neo-Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians, with general tolerance and freedom of religion.

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Persian Religion

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Practiced Zoroastrianism, focusing on light and dark, truth, and allowed religious tolerance.

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Rebuilding Temples

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Rebuilt temples to other gods and faiths, notably in Jerusalem.

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Cyrus's Death

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Died under mysterious circumstances after 29 years of rule.

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Cambyses

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Son of Cyrus, conquered Egypt.

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Darius's Reorganization

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Seized power after Cambyses and reorganized the empire with satrapies and a royal road for efficient governance and trade.

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Xerxes's Invasion

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Invaded Greece to avenge Marathon.

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Royal Road

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A major ancient highway reorganized by Darius to facilitate rapid communication and trade across the Persian Empire.