Persian Empire [ushistory.org] (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of the Persian Empire? ›

The Persian Empire is the name given to a series of dynasties centered in modern-day Iran that spanned several centuries—from the sixth century B.C. to the 20th century A.D. The first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 B.C., became one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Europe's ...

Under Cyrus the Persians organized their empire into a series of satrapies, or governmental provinces. Each of these provinces was ruled by a governor known as a satrap, as well as a general and a secretary.

Persia, historic region of southwestern Asia associated with the area that is now modern Iran. The term Persia was used for centuries and originated from a region of southern Iran formerly known as Persis, alternatively as Pārs or Parsa, modern Fārs.

The major part of slaves from Central Asia were Turkic, captured through raids, or sold by their families or as war prisoners by other Turkic tribes, and Turkic slaves came to be the most popular ethnicity for slaves in Iran.

The Persian Empire was known for many things, such as being one of the largest superpowers in its time. Under the rule of Darius I, several impressive architectural feats were constructed, such as the city of Persepolis and the Royal Road.

Postal System & the Highway

The postal system and concept of the highway were also developed by the Persians. Darius I (the Great, r. 522-486 BCE) instituted the Persian network of roads for speed of travel and contact between his capital cities (Babylon, Ecbatana, Persepolis, and Susa).

The Persian Empire began to decline under the reign of Darius's son, Xerxes. Xerxes depleted the royal treasury with an unsuccessful campaign to invade Greece and continued with irresponsible spending upon returning home. Persia was eventually conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C.E.

You know, God and Satan, or Harry and Voldemort. But the Persians weren't very concerned about converting people of the empire to their faith. Plus, Zoroastrianism forbid slavery, and so slavery was almost unheard of in the Persian Empire.

The vast majority of Persians practice Shīʿite Islam. Before the Muslim conquest of Persia in the 7th century ce, most Persians followed Zoroastrianism, based on the teachings of the ancient prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra), who lived during the first half of the 1st millennium bce.

As stated above, the earliest chronological mention of the Persian people is in the book of Ezekiel (27:10 and 38:5)—probably written shortly after 600 b.c.e. There is, however, an earlier, incredible prophecy of the man who would become Persia's leader, Cyrus the Great.

Who are the Persians today? ›

The Persians (/ˈpɜːrʒənz/ PUR-zhənz or /ˈpɜːrʃənz/ PUR-shənz) are an Iranian ethnic group who comprise over half of the population of Iran. They share a common cultural system and are native speakers of the Persian language as well as of the languages that are closely related to Persian.

In Persian culture, slaves were treated as paid servants were elsewhere. Peasants were, as usual, the backbone of the economy as they were largely farmers and either skilled or unskilled laborers.

Per·​sian ˈpər-zhən. 1. : a native or inhabitant of ancient Persia or modern Iran. 2. : the language of the Persians.

Persia. Following their defeats at the hands of the Greeks, and plagued by internal rebellions that hindered their ability to fight foreign enemies, the Persians adopted a policy of divide-and-rule.

In the Western world, Persia (or one of its cognates) was historically the common name used for Iran. On the Nowruz of 1935, Reza Shah officially asked foreign delegates to use the Persian term Iran, the endonym of the country, in formal correspondence.

Because of their desire to expand, the Persians absorbed ideas, materials, and styles from many foreign lands. As the Greek scholar Herodotus said, "There is no nation, which so readily adopts foreign customs as the Persians." They also used technology from other civilizations and invented many new things themselves.

Iransaga - Persian Myths, The Creation of the World. In ancient Persia (Iran), it was believed that the sky was the first part of the world to be created. It was described as a round empty shell made of rock crystal, passing beneath as well as above the earth. Water was created next, followed by the earth.

The Persian Wars began in 499 BCE, when Greeks in the Persian-controlled territory rose in the Ionian Revolt. Athens, and other Greek cities, sent aid, but were quickly forced to back down after defeat in 494 BCE. Subsequently, the Persians suffered many defeats at the hands of the Greeks, led by the Athenians.