Early Religions of the Middle East Flashcards
How did the geography of Persia affect their history?
Because they were in the center of the east and the west, they controlled a lot of the silk road trade. They also had to worry about being conquered as their land was valuable.
What did Cyrus the Great do?
He founded the Persian Empire. He conquered a lot of land in Mesopotamia and more. He had a policy of religious tolerance and allowed the Jews to rebuild the temple of Soloman.
What did Darius I do?
Stabilized Persia after a period of instability. conquered more territory including Afganistan. Also began the distribution of metal coins. He created a group called the king’s eyes and ears that watched over the parts of the empire he couldn’t.
How many gods does Zoroastrianism believe in?
they believe in one god, called Ahura Mazda. He is Omnipowerful and Omniscient.
Who founded Zoroastrianism?
The prophet Zoroaster. He is not generally praised but by following his teachings one can get closer to God.
How/when did Zoroaster have his visions?
When he was thirty he was bathing in a river. He saw a shining being the was made of light. This was similar to an angel and he was given the answers to everything.
What is the contrast between good and evil like?
God has an adversary who is basically Satan. There is a constant battle going on and if good wins, all will be good, whereas if bad wins, all will be bad. One can help the good by following Zoroastrianism.
Who was Cambyses and what did he do?
He was the son of Cyrus, named after his grandfather. He began his reign by conquering Egypt but did not follow his father’s example of religious tolerance. He ordered the burning of many Egyptian religious images. Soon the entire empire began to burn underneath him.
Who were the Maccabees?
After king Antiochus of the Seleucid Empire banned the practices of many Jewish practices, a priest began a revolt that would create an independent state. Eventually, it would be conquered by the Romans.
How did Persia keep their culture throughout History?
When invaders conquered Persia, it is said they would turn Persian. It was large enough to be able to keep its culture and many cultures mixed with Persian culture easily. Like the Hellenistic culture of Alexander that quickly absorbed itself into Persia.
