chapter 7 (Persia) Flashcards
Croesus
ruler of the powerful and wealthy kingdom of Lydia in southwestern Anatolia. Went to fight cyrus and was defeated. Later became cyrus advisor
Cyrus
an Achaemenid who launched the Persians imperial venture. His conquests laid the foundation for the first Persian empire (Achaemenid) of Persia
Cambyses
son of Cyrus. Conquered Egypt in 525 BCE
Darius
greatest of the Achaemenid emperors. Conquered India and southeastern Europe
pasargaedae
city near capital of Persepolis. Site of the tomb of Cyrus
Persepolis
Persia. empire capital. administrative center
satrapies
administrative and taxation districts governed by Satraps. Darius divided his realm into 23 satrapies. Had tax collectors/military groups to enforce taxes
royal road
a notable road built by Achaemenids. paved road of stone (1,600 miles). Used for postal courier services
qanat
underground canals. allowed cultivators to distribute water to fields without losing large quantities to evaporation through exposure to sun/open air
Zarathustra
historical person and subject of many stories. not much known about him. mad himself think that Ahura Mazda chose him to serve as prophet. came from aristocratic family. probably a priest.
xerxes
Darius’ successor. retreated from cultural toleration (cruel and intensive). caused rebellions in Mesopotamia and Egypt
marathon
Greek city where the battle of marathon happened and Greeks won
mithradates 1
Parthians’ greatest conqueror. transformed his state into a mighty empire.
ctesphion
capital of parthian and later stayed as Sasanid capital
Shapur 1
Sasanid emperor. established western frontier. buffer states between Sasanids and Romans. defeated several roman armies, captured them and used them to build roads and dams.
