Chapter 7 Flashcards
Persian Empire (19 cards)
What was the geographical extent of the Persian Empire at its peak, and what were some of its key features?
At its peak, the Persian Empire stretched from the Indus Valley in the east to Egypt and parts of Greece in the west. Key features included a centralized bureaucracy, a network of roads (like the Royal Road), a postal system, and tolerance towards local cultures and religions.
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Who was Cyrus II, and what were his major achievements as the founder of the Persian Empire?
Cyrus II, also known as ‘Cyrus the Great,’ was the founder of the Persian Empire. His major achievements included uniting the Persian and Median tribes, conquering Lydia and Babylon, and allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon.
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How did Cyrus the Great’s policies towards conquered peoples differ from those of other ancient rulers?
Cyrus was known for his humane and tolerant policies, allowing conquered peoples to maintain their customs and religions. Unlike many other ancient rulers, he did not enslave people or force cultural assimilation, and he is credited with establishing a relatively peaceful empire.
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What were some of Darius I’s key achievements as a ruler of the Persian Empire?
Darius I expanded the Persian Empire significantly, organized it into provinces (satrapies), and standardized the coinage system. He built infrastructure like the Royal Road and improved the administrative system.
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How did Darius I strengthen the administrative structure of the Persian Empire?
Darius I created satrapies, or provinces, each governed by a satrap (governor). He also introduced a system of taxation and regular tribute, allowing for better organization and control over the vast empire.
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What was the purpose of the Royal Road, and how did it contribute to the unity and strength of the Persian Empire?
The Royal Road was built to facilitate communication, trade, and the movement of troops across the empire. It helped unify the empire, allowing for faster communication between provinces, and it boosted economic trade and military control.
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What were satrapies in the Persian Empire, and what role did the satraps play in governing the empire?
Satrapies were provinces in the Persian Empire. Satraps were governors appointed by the king to oversee local affairs, collect taxes, maintain order, and command the military within their province.
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What were the main causes of the Persian Wars, and what were the key battles between the Greeks and the Persians?
The Persian Wars were caused by the expansionist goals of the Persian Empire and Greek city-states’ resistance to Persian rule. Key battles included the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) and the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE).
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What was the significance of the Battle of Marathon and the Battle of Thermopylae in the Persian Wars?
The Battle of Marathon marked the first major defeat of the Persian Empire and demonstrated the resilience of the Greek city-states. The Battle of Thermopylae was a heroic last stand by the Spartans, symbolizing Greek courage.
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What were Alexander the Great’s major military achievements, and how did he impact the Persian Empire?
Alexander defeated King Darius III of Persia at the Battle of Issus (333 BCE) and Battle of Gaugamela (331 BCE), leading to the fall of the Persian Empire. He conquered Egypt, Mesopotamia, and parts of India, spreading Greek culture.
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How did Alexander’s conquests contribute to the spread of Hellenistic culture?
Alexander’s empire facilitated the fusion of Greek and local cultures, creating a Hellenistic culture that spread from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and India. He founded cities like Alexandria in Egypt, which became centers of Greek learning and culture.
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Who were the Seleucids, and how did their empire emerge after the death of Alexander the Great?
The Seleucids were one of the Hellenistic successor states formed after Alexander the Great’s death. Founded by Seleucus I Nicator, the Seleucid Empire stretched from Anatolia to the Indus River, incorporating parts of the former Persian Empire.
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What were the main challenges faced by the Seleucid Empire?
The Seleucid Empire faced numerous challenges, including frequent internal strife, rebellion from subject peoples, and pressure from external enemies like the Parthians and Romans.
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What characterized the Parthian Empire, and how did it maintain its power in Persia?
The Parthian Empire was characterized by its powerful cavalry, especially the cataphracts. They maintained power through military strength and by resisting Roman expansion in the region.
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How did the Parthians interact with the Romans, and what role did their cavalry play in military success?
The Parthians frequently fought the Romans for control over Mesopotamia. Their cavalry, especially the cataphracts, were instrumental in defending against Roman legions and securing Parthian victories.
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What were the main achievements of the Sassanid Empire, and how did it differ from the Parthian Empire?
The Sassanid Empire was known for its strong centralized government, military prowess, and revival of Persian culture. It differed from the Parthian Empire by adopting Zoroastrianism as the state religion and emphasizing a more centralized administration.
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What led to the decline of the Sassanid Empire, and how did it fall to the Arab Muslims?
The Sassanid Empire declined due to internal instability, economic difficulties, and external pressures, including attacks from the Arabs. It was defeated by the Muslim armies in the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah (636 CE) and eventually fell in 651 CE.
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Who was Zarathustra (Zoroaster), and what were the key principles of Zoroastrianism?
Zarathustra (Zoroaster) was the founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions. Its key principles include the worship of Ahura Mazda, the duality of good and evil, and the idea of individual responsibility in the struggle between these forces.
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How did Zoroastrianism influence other major world religions?
Zoroastrianism influenced Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, particularly in concepts of heaven and hell, the final judgment, and the battle between good and evil.
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