Questions and Answers
What was the Persian Empire known for?
Its conquests, riches, and engineering feats
What was the innovative underground irrigation system developed by the Persians called?
Qanats
Who founded the Achaemenid dynasty and created the largest ancient empire?
Cyrus the Great
What was the policy of Cyrus the Great towards conquered subjects?
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What did Darius do after becoming the new Persian King?
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What was the purpose of the 130-mile canal built during Darius' rule?
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Which ancient monument did the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant in New York City model after?
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What was the impact of Alexander the Great's conquest on the Persian Empire?
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What was the purpose of the Royal Road commissioned by Darius?
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What was the main reason for the eventual downfall of the Persian Empire?
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Study Notes
- The Persian Empire, shrouded in mystery, was known for its conquests, riches, and engineering feats like magnificent palaces and canal systems.
- Persians, originally nomadic tribes, developed an innovative underground irrigation system called qanats to bring water to their settlements by harnessing gravity and natural topography.
- Cyrus the Great, a benevolent and politically savvy leader, founded the Achaemenid dynasty and created the largest ancient empire, known for religious tolerance and freeing the Jews from Babylon.
- The capital city of Pasargadae was built by Cyrus, showcasing advanced engineering influenced by various cultures, with magnificent palaces and the first known Persian gardens.
- Cyrus' rule changed history with architectural innovations and a policy of not enslaving conquered subjects, which was revolutionary at the time.
- Before his death in battle, Cyrus expanded the empire to have three capitals but chose to be buried in Pasargadae in a simple and elegant tomb that reflected his humility.
- Despite his early death, Cyrus the Great's legacy as a just ruler and military strategist endured, with his actions of liberation and tolerance still remembered today.- Cyrus the Great's death in 530 BC led to power struggles in Persia, eventually giving rise to Darius as the new Persian King.
- Darius embarked on ambitious construction projects, including rebuilding Susa and constructing the ceremonial capital of Persepolis in 518 BC.
- Persepolis featured colossal engineering feats, with intricately designed palaces, grand halls, and a sophisticated water and drainage system.
- Darius' empire expanded significantly under his rule, encompassing modern-day Iran, Pakistan, parts of Afghanistan, Turkey, Egypt, and more.
- Darius commissioned the construction of the Royal Road, a massive stone highway spanning over 1,500 miles to connect his empire.
- Darius also oversaw the building of a 130-mile canal linking the Mediterranean and Red Sea for trade purposes.
- Xerxes, Darius' successor, sought revenge against the Greeks, leading to the second Persian War and famous battles like Thermopylae and Salamis.
- Despite initial victories, Xerxes was ultimately defeated by the Greeks, marking the decline of the once invincible Persian Empire.
- Artaxerxes, Xerxes' son, succeeded him and continued construction projects in Persepolis, overseeing the completion of the Hall of Hundred Columns.
- The Persian Empire faced challenges and defeats but left a lasting legacy through its monumental architecture, engineering feats, and significant impact on history.- Columns at Persepolis were crafted with precision using stone mallets and bronze chisels, showcasing the skill of master craftsmen.
- The columns were constructed in drums stacked on top of each other using wooden cranes and scaffolding.
- The mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, was a 135-foot-tall marble monument with a pyramid roof and staircases.
- The tomb of Ulysses S. Grant in New York City was modeled after the mausoleum of Mausolus.
- Despite impressive engineering feats, the Persian Empire faced internal strife and external threats, leading to its eventual downfall.
- Alexander the Great respected defeated enemies but allowed his soldiers to pillage and burn Persepolis after a victory celebration.
- Darius III, the last Achaemenid king, was murdered in 330 BC, marking the end of the Persian Empire.
- Alexander declared himself an Achaemenid Persian King, adding to the legacy of an empire that had spanned over 2,700 years.
