Ancient Empires and Innovations

Front

Assyrian Empire

Back

A warrior civilization from northern Mesopotamia that brutally conquered and ruled the lands of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Palestine and Syria.

Front

Royal Roads of the Persian Empire

Back

A 1,500 mile road network that was a Persian postal system for trade. They were important because they made communication much easier, encouraged trade and cultural diffusion.

Front

Freeing the Jews from Babylon

Back

One act of kindness from Cyrus the Great was allowing the Jews, who were displaced by the Babylonians, to go back to their homeland.

Front

Persian tolerance

Back

The Persians didn't force their religion onto any of the regions that they controlled. Instead, they allowed people to worship and govern themselves as long as they respected the Persian laws and paid their taxes.

Front

Cyrus the Great

Back

King of Persia and founder of the Persian empire (circa 600-529 BC). He was known as a fair and just ruler.

Front

Assyrian Roads

Back

Built by the Assyrians to help quickly transport their soldiers and messages across their empire.

Front

Provinces

Back

The smaller regions in which the Assyrians divided their empire into.

Front

Spoke wheels

Back

Wheels with thin rods (spokes) connecting the outer rim to the center hub, made Assyrian chariots lighter, faster, and better prepared to outrun soldiers and other chariots.

Front

Chain mail

Back

Flexible armor made of joined metal links. It protected Assyrian warriors.

Front

Cavalry

Back

Soldiers on horseback. The Assyrians were some of the first to use these types of soldiers to conquer other civilizations.