Week 5: Ionian Revolt and Persian Wars Flashcards
The Persian Empire occupied __/4ths of the known world.
3/4 of the known world.
According to Herodotus, what did Astyage dream about his daughter Mandane?
Astyage dreamed that his daughter’s womb grew a vine that covered all of Asia, and that she urinated, causing the continent to flood.
Cyrus the Great first became ruler of _______
Anshan
What was the Royal Road?
The Persian courier system (aka Persian Pony Express)
What was the Royal Road’s slogan?
“Neither rain nor snow nor sleet, nor hail stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
The Royal Road ran from the city of __________ to ___________
Persepolis to Sardis
What was the “Queen of all Cities”?
Babylon
When did the Neo-Babylonian Empire fall to Cyrus the Great?
539 BC
Which god did Cyrus reinstate as state deity?
Marduk
Why is Cyrus praised in the Bible?
Because Cyrus freed the Jews and rebuilt Jerusalem.
Who was the “Heretical” last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire?
King Nabonidus
Before Cyrus, what god did Nabonidus replace Marduk with as head deity of the state?
Sin
What does the Cyrus Cylinder say?
It praises Cyrus for reinstating Marduk as head deity of the state.
Why did many people in Babylon welcome Alexander later on?
Because after Cyrus, the Persian kings began to gradually pay less attention to Babylon and the god Marduk.
What is the native pagan religion of the Persians?
Zoroastrianism
Which Persian King adopted Zoroastrianism as the state religion?
Cyrus
What was the name of the prophet of Zoroastrianism?
Zoroaster
True or False:
Zoroastrianism is the very first religion to suggest that your actions have moral repercussions.
TRUE!
You were expected to strive for a moral life.
Who is the Creator God and God of the Sky in Zoroastrianism?
Ahura-Mazda
Who is the “Destructive” evil Deity in Zoroastrianism?
Ahriman
What were the Priests of Zoroastrianism called?
The Magi
What did the Magi declare war against?
Insects and Reptiles
What does the Behistun rock inscription say?
Most importantly:
- Tells us of Darius’ righteousness as ruler
Also:
- Tells us King Darius’ extent of his empire
- Also tells us of his struggle for power in killing his rival, Gaumata in 522 BC