persia (cyrus 2 to death 3)

Question 1

Location, duration, size

Answer 1

Persian empire extended across near east and endured over 200 yrs
Extended from Mediterranean sea in west to area of indus river in east, and from black sea & caspian sea in north to persian gulf in south
Over 50mill estimated by Olmstead (historian) lived in empire
Herodotus stated 46 nationalities contributed to xerxes’ army and navy during persian wars
Huge no. diff subject ppls

Question 2

geographical features & resources

Answer 2

Deserts, plains, central plateau, rivers, mountains
Constructed qanats
Underground irrigation channels to carry water from melted snow to desert areas → turn barren areas into oases
Beautiful gardens ‘paradise gardens’
Persian kinds derived enormous wealth from natural resources & tribute fro subject ppls

Question 3

organisation & expansion

Answer 3

Persian empire divided into satrapies (provinces) each governed by satrap (protector of realm)
Immense armies successes in near east, even agaisnt seemingly superior cultures eg. babylon & egypt.
Failed to expand west into europe after failing to conquer greeks

Question 4

legacy of the persian empire

Answer 4

Building & engineering achievements
Palace complexes
Impressive gardens
Underground irrigation channels
1st attempt at a suez canal
Major communications