Ancient Notes

Ancient Notes

Greece: The Greek World 500 – 440BC
Topic Summary

1. PERSIAN WARS
 Origins: Persian imperialism

- Imperialism  policy of extending control or authority over foreign ands  in ancient times normally done by outright conquest
- Reasons  acquisition of economic power by control of trade, capture booty, prestige for rulers of the conquering people
- Persian's embarked on such an imperial policy under their king Cyrus (first Persian king)
- Timeline 
612BC – Medes destroyed the Assyrian Empire
550BC – Cyrus def. and conquered the Median Empire  creates Persian Empire
547BC – Cyrus def. and conquered by the Lydian Kingdom  Harpagus left with task of conquering Ionian Greek cities of Aegean Coast  accomplished  Ionian’s had to pay heavy taxes and contribute to the Persian Army and Navy when required
539BC – Babylonian Empire invaded and conquered by Cyrus. Syria and Palestine added to the empire’s territory
530BC – Cyrus orders son, Cambyses to prepare an expedition to invade Egypt, but was killed before this could take place
- People’s conquered by Cyrus cooperated for two reasons:
- There Persian’s did not interfere in local customs
- were tolerant of local religious beliefs
-Cyrus’ conquest earned him the title ‘The Great’  saw himself as the ruler of the world
-Persian imperialism continued  Cyrus succeed by Cambyses in 530BC
525BC – Cambyses invades Egypt, adding more area to the empire
-While in Egypt a revolt was led. Cambyses dies mysteriously and Gautama was left in power for several months  Darius and several men overthrew Gautama
512BC – Darius becomes ruler of the Persian Empire

-First years of his reign were spent suppressing rebellions
-married two of Cyrus the Greats’ daughters to strengthen his power
-empire grew to largest empire that world had seen  population of around 50 million people
-complete a reorganisation of empire’s administration ...