Ancient Persia Slides Part 2

Multiple Choice

Which of the following describes the overall message of Taoism?

• Live a life of wealth and money.

• Live simply and in harmony with nature.

• Live according to what the emperor wishes.

• Worship God and all else with follow.

Multiple Choice

The Han dynasty promoted policies based on which concept?

• Legalism

• Authoritarianism

• Confucianism

• Democracy

Multiple Choice

What did the civil service exams of the Han dynasty dictate?

• Every man should service in the Chinese military

• Women could participate in public life

• Officials should win positions based on merit rather than family connections

• A literary test would be required to participate in political life

Multiple Choice

What was an effect of ancient trade between China and distant lands along the ancient Silk Road?

• The need to protect caravans was eliminated.

• Isolation of Eastern cultures increased.

• Use of luxury goods decreased.

• Religious ideas were shared.

Multiple Choice

What was the primary role of the Ten Thousand Immortals in the Persian army?

• Bodyguards

• Farmers

• Messengers

• Cavalry

Multiple Choice

The Persian Empire was known for its "bureaucracy." Which is an example of a strong "bureaucracy?"

• Creating a navy that can conquer different regions of the Mediterranean Sea for colonies.

• Establishing an educational system that trained priests and future government rules.

• Dividing the kingdom into many areas, each with its own ruler, who reported back to the King.

• Having one main religion, but allowing other people in the Empire to believe in their own religions.

Multiple Choice

What was the significance of Xerxes' second campaign against the Greeks in 480 BC?

• It strengthened his empire

• It weakened his empire

• It had no impact

• It united the Greeks

Multiple Choice

What factors contributed to the fall of the Persian Empire?

• Greed of Persian kings

• Strong military leadership

• Economic prosperity

• Cultural unity

Multiple Choice

What does Zoroaster claim about the world?

• It is a place of peace

• It is divided between good and evil

• It is ruled by Ahura Mazda

• It is a monotheistic religion

Multiple Choice

Zoroastrians believe in _____________.

• 1 God
• 3 Gods
• Many Gods
• No Gods

Multiple Choice

Put the Persian leaders in order from earliest to latest.

• Darius, Xerxes, Cyrus
• Cyrus, Xerxes, Darius
• Xerxes, Cyrus, Darius
• Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes

Multiple Choice

This Persian King expanded the Persian Empire and began construction of the Royal Road

• Darius

• Achaemenid

• Cyrus the Great

• Xerxes

Multiple Choice

Zoroaster preached that there was one supreme god called...

• Ahura Mazda
• God
• Zorastrianism
• Mr. Keup

Multiple Choice

What was the name of the Persian ruler of each province or state?

• King

• Governor

• Satrap

• Lord

Multiple Choice

Which two opposing forces do Zoroastrians believe exist in the universe?

• Light and dark

• Fire and water

• Good and evil

• Mortal and immortal

Page 89
Cyrus the Great – A Leader of Tolerance

How did Cyrus treat the people he conquered, and why was this important for his empire?

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire, which became one of the largest empires in ancient history. What made Cyrus different from many other rulers was how he treated the people he conquered. Instead of using fear and cruelty to control them, Cyrus allowed the people to keep their own customs, religions, and ways of life. When Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, he let the Babylonians continue practicing their religion, which made them more loyal to him.

What is one important thing Cyrus did for the Jewish people, and why is it remembered?

One of Cyrus’ most famous actions was freeing the Jewish people who had been captured by the Babylonians. He allowed them to return to their homeland in Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, an act that made him a hero in the Hebrew Bible, where he is seen as a chosen leader by God.

How did Cyrus organize his empire to make sure it stayed under control?

Cyrus also made sure that his empire ran smoothly by creating a system of local governors. He let local leaders continue to rule their regions, but he placed Persian officials, called satraps, in charge of making sure everything was under control. This way, Cyrus was able to manage a huge empire and keep it peaceful.

Why is Cyrus known as a "tolerant" leader?

Cyrus is often remembered as a "tolerant" leader because he respected different cultures and beliefs, which helped his empire grow strong and stay united.

Page 89
Cambyses – The Harsh Conqueror

How did Cambyses' leadership differ from his father, Cyrus the Great?

Cambyses, the son of Cyrus the Great, became king of the Persian Empire after his father’s death. Unlike his father, Cambyses was known for his cruelty and harsh leadership, especially during his conquest of Egypt. When Cambyses conquered Egypt, he showed little respect for the Egyptians' customs and religion. He ordered the destruction of Egyptian temples and statues, which angered many people. Cambyses was even rumored to have killed an Egyptian sacred bull, which was an important religious symbol to the Egyptians.

What actions did Cambyses take in Egypt that made him unpopular?

Cambyses, the son of Cyrus the Great, became king of the Persian Empire after his father’s death. Unlike his father, Cambyses was known for his cruelty and harsh leadership, especially during his conquest of Egypt. When Cambyses conquered Egypt, he showed little respect for the Egyptians' customs and religion. He ordered the destruction of Egyptian temples and statues, which angered many people. Cambyses was even rumored to have killed an Egyptian sacred bull, which was an important religious symbol to the Egyptians.

How did Cambyses' harsh rule affect the stability of the empire?

Cambyses' harsh treatment of the Egyptians made him unpopular and caused unrest in the empire. He ruled through fear and intimidation, which was very different from his father's policy of tolerance. This harsh leadership eventually led to rebellion in parts of the empire, and Cambyses’ time as king ended in turmoil.

Although he expanded the empire by conquering Egypt, Cambyses’ cruelty left a negative legacy. His reign showed that ruling through fear could weaken the empire rather than strengthen it.

Why is Cambyses often remembered as a harsh and cruel leader?

Cambyses' harsh treatment of the Egyptians made him unpopular and caused unrest in the empire. He ruled through fear and intimidation, which was very different from his father's policy of tolerance. This harsh leadership eventually led to rebellion in parts of the empire, and Cambyses’ time as king ended in turmoil.

Although he expanded the empire by conquering Egypt, Cambyses’ cruelty left a negative legacy. His reign showed that ruling through fear could weaken the empire rather than strengthen it.