Ap World History Chapter 25 Summary

Darius I ,also known as Darius the Great, was the third king who reigned from 550-486 BCE during the Achaemenid Empire. While he lived, Darius held the empire at its peak, which stretched from the river Nile and parts of Northern Greece to the Indus River Valley. One of the most major events in Darius 's life was his expedition to discipline Athens and Eretria for their support in the Ionian Revolt. He made his empire larger by vanquishing Thrace and Macedon, and occupying Scythia. He also arranged his empire, by splitting it into provinces and placing governors to rule over it. Darius organized a new financial system, along with making Aramaic the official language of the empire. He further worked on establishment projects throughout the empire. Darius also formulated a codification of laws for Egypt. He order the carving of the cliff-face Behistun Inscription, an autobiography of great modern linguistic significance. Darius also started many massive architectural projects including magnificent palaces in Persepolis, and Susa.

Cyrus II of Persia, also known as Cyrus the Great, was one of the most influential and powerful rulers in the Ancient World.¹ By overthrowing the Assyrian empire, he was able to start the Persian Empire. Through his superior diplomacy skills within his empire, to his genius war tactics, he built the foundation for a line of Persian Kings to rule one of the largest empires in world history.

Cyrus II the Great is credited as the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus II reigned from 558-530 B.C.E. Cyrus II took control of the weakened Assyrian and Babylonian empires through his powerful, strategic military. Under Cyrus II’s rule, the empire’s military expanded and conquered most of Asia and parts of Europe creating the largest empire in the world during this time period. Cyrus II led his kingdom by respecting the religions and customs of the people he conquered. Cyrus II was successful in molding a centralized administration and creating a stable, working government. His achievements involving military strategy, politics, and human rights impacted and influenced not only the Achaemenid Empire but both Western and Eastern Civilizations. Cyrus II fell wounded while protecting the northeastern border of his empire from raiders ending his reign.

Cyrus' treatment of his people and the helping of others were what caused him to gain his power. He didn't think of himself as a conqueror, but as a liberator of people. He agreed to treating people of all religions and backgrounds equally, so long as they didn't rebel. Whenever he conquered a new nation, he allowed the people there to keep their religion and customs. His way of ruling was very different compared to the Assyrians and other previous rulers.

Cyrus the Great became ruler of the Persians because he did not want to be controlled by the meads and along with his nomadic warriors, he overtook them. Previously, the Medes had an Iranian religion of whom the Magi were like the priests of Persia and with their great architectural knowledge, they build fire temples which were used by the Magi to perform ceremonies & rituals. This religion derived from magic and astrology, principles of dualism (good & Evil) and resurrection. This religion is one of the causes for which Cyrus the great, rebelled against the Medes. With his army, he conquered most of Asia and remained in power because of the type of ruler that he was. Cyrus allowed the people to keep their customs and practice their own religions, worship their own gods and carry their separate rituals,

Alexander went to Egypt, which was a part of Persian Empire. when the Persian governor

The Persian Empire originated as a result of the great king known as Cyrus who united the Mediterranean and Asia Minor into one United Kingdom. Many of Cyrus’ qualities as a leader led to the Persians unspoken success in expanding their civilization into the largest and most powerful empire the world had ever seen. His campaign inspired the Persians to develop their nation by making expeditions through Media, Babylonia, Lydia, and Egypt. These four provinces had a major affect on Cyrus’ vision of creating an unstoppable empire. Therefore this opened a lot of possibilities for Cyrus and his army as they planned to conquer these regions of Asia Minor. There were many reasons as to why Cyrus was so successful and the main reason was his ability to be so humble and welcoming to his enemies. Through his strength in military command, imperial administration, and respect for his people he forged an Empire that became one of the strongest powers in Asia Minor.

Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire. A brilliant and powerful man, he enlarged his kingdom by conquering nearby lands. Yet, the strategy used by Cyrus, united the people. Refusing to enslave his new subjects, he embraced their culture and religions. Essentially, through his compassion and tolerance for others, he created the largest empire ever known. Yet, as much as Cyrus offered to the people, he received much more in return. Harnessing the best and most advanced ideas from each culture, Cyrus was able to attain engineering feats, never witnessed before.

Cyrus was the son of Median king Cambyses, after his father’s death in 559 BCE Cyrus became king of Ashan . However, at this time Cyrus was not yet an independent ruler, like all of his predecessors Cyrus had to rule under the power of Median overlordship. In 553 BCE Cyrus rallied together the Persian people to revolt against Astyages and their Median overlords . Finally after several years in battle Cyrus conquered the Median capitol of Ecbatana in 549 BCE, effectively gaining control of the Median Empire and was crowned as the ‘King of Persia’ in 546 BCE . Cyrus the Great established the Persian Achaemendid Empire by uniting the Medes and the Persians under one great

S:Because of Xerxes’s arrogance and reluctance to tolerate other cultures it caused turmoil and ill will to Mesopotamians and Egyptians.And it ended up causing dire dilemmas for the future Persians to keep their empire together.

Cyrus was mortally wounded, which resulted in him unable to get to Egypt. Egypt at that time was the largest and wealthiest state outside his control. Even though Cyrus did not live, his son Cambyses gained control of Egypt while obtaining its wealth. Darius ruled after Cambyses and was one of the greatest Achaemenids. Darius centralized his administration and built a capital with much magnificence at Persepolis. Later, Persepolis served as the nerve center of the Persian Empire. Darius divided his territory into twenty-three administrative and taxation districts or satrapies. The political stability of The Persian society made it possible for public projects. They were able to increase agricultural production by constructing underground canals or qanat. The Achaemenids had a difficult time with the Greeks. Alexander of Macedon conquered Persia with his military force having sophisticated tactics.

King Cyrus of the Persian Empire and Emperor Constantine of the Roman Empire seized control over neighboring cities with their military strength and later introduce their new religious policies onto the inhabitants living in the land. There is little known about Cyrus early life up until he became King of Persia after his father’s death. According to ancient historians, King Astyages of the Median Empire, Cyrus grandfather was told in a dream that his grandson would become King of Persia and overthrow him. Astyages king of the Median Empire ordered his officials to kill his grandson because of this dream, but the official delegated with this task gave the young boy to his mother and allowed them to live in exile. When Cyrus became older he revolted against his

Extending from Egypt to northern Central Asia, the Persian empire was one of the most immense empires that the ancient world had seen. Its emergence began in 550 B.C, once Cyrus the Great who had recently come into power conquered his northern neighbor, the Medes, giving him access to the reserves of gold and silver that were buried in the Zagros Mountains. Encouraged by his conquest of the Medes, he captured Babylon and then advanced through Asia Minor to the Mediterranean Sea. He later united the Persians, allowing him to create the Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid empire. With access to the Mediterranean seaports, the Persians gained control of the wealth of the ancient world from the regions, allowing them to built a vast and prosperous empire. Although Cyrus is partially known for being a great conqueror, he is most importantly recognized as a pioneer of human rights. To manage his boundless empire he divided newly conquered territories into provinces which helped him rule freely. Even after his death, leaders like Darius I adopted his influential techniques allowing them to maintain the expansive Persian Empire. Although the Persians established their vast empires through sanguinary battles, they remained successful and continued to influence other empires for years because of their tolerant nature and organized society.

Long before the great king, Cyrus’ death the Persian Empire had reached the milestone that allowed it to be the first empire that was so large. Cyrus had a son, who took over the throne in 530 B.C.E., named Cambyses II. Cambyses would show the same ambition we saw in his father. In 525 B.C.E he added Egypt to the Persian Empire. His victory was not to be enjoyed for long. He died in 522 B.C.E. and it is assumed that he may have died from a sword wound. This wound is believed to be accidental. Although, his death was not mourned for like that of his father. This may have been due to his

The Ancient Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was the first largest, continental empire. Under Darius I, it stretched from India to Africa to Southeastern Europe. Ancient Persia by Dr. Matt Waters is a detailed overview of the period (c. 550–330 BCE) from the predecessors of the mid-first millennium to the Macedonian conquest. Dr. Waters, a professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Wisconsin, is also the author of A Survey of Neo-Elamite History (2000) and has published extensively in academic journals. The impact of the empire, “its scope and durability, and...its ability to project and maintain its power,” was revolutionary at the time. The book offers a general Persian overview while relying on Greek resources and artifacts. The research outlines are well represented and are useful to readers, highlighting of the difficulties in the Classical era throughout the discussions. My reflections on the book was very good and I savored it immensely. However, I found disorganized pieces of information that I expected to be fixed and lacking of material that could have been put in as well.