Persia

The Persian Empire (500 B.C.-331B.C)

The Persian empire is what you desire!

Map of Persian Empire

**G**overnment: Cyrus the Great
 * Satraps were the rulers of each province that greatly exercised there power on the people that they ruled.
 * Cyrus the Great ruled during the 500's of B.C. and conquered surrounding territories
 * Satrapees were the different provinces ruled by the satraps
 * Persia had Bureaucracy with different levels of government

**R**eligon:
 * Zoroastrianismwas the main religion practiced by Persians
 * A monotheistic religion directed toward Ahura Mazda, the supreme being and creator
 * Focused on the struggle between good and evil
 * The path you took in life would decide whether you would be punished or rewarded

The symbol of Zoroastrianism

**E**conomy:
 * Rulers of Persian empire lead the economy
 * Trade stimulated economy
 * Rulers invested in irrigation and other systems of government to help ecomony

Persian irrigation system

**A**rt and Architecture: Persian capitals
 * Luxorius materials were used in the construction of the Persian capitals
 * Creation of large agricultural surpluses allowed urban centers and smaller rural communities to exist
 * Irrigation and other agricultural methods

**Technology**:
 * Persian water wheel raises from the nile, creating a large water source
 * Roads were built so kings could communicate with their governors.
 * Long beams of Lebanese cedar instead of stone lintels, were able to achieve greater height with the fewer and thinner stone columns

Persian water wheel

**S**ociety:  Persian army with the symbol of Zoroastrianism on their shields       Summary:  Ancient Persia was generally a strong empire since it qualified for each factor within the GREATS. The government was made up of satraps (governors) who controlled the empire. The society was stratified and there were different classes within. Technology and art such as water wheels and the Persian capitals contributed to its success.      
 * Persian army was valued
 * Vast ranges of peoples, beliefs and languages
 * Many different cultures and societies coexisted under one general government