The Achaemenid Empire

* school jewishstudies
[2025-10-20 Mon]

1. Overview

  • The Achaemenid Empire began under the rule of Cyrus the Great.
  • The main administrative language of the empire was Aramaic.

1.1. 539 BCE — The Conquest of Babylon

  • In 539 BCE, Cyrus defeated the Babylonians, bringing Babylon under Persian control.

2. Expansion and Governance

  • The Persian Empire conquered many regions, including Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), and parts of India.
  • Despite its vastness, the empire allowed subject peoples to maintain their own customs and cultures.

2.1. Administrative Structure–Satrapies

  • The empire was divided into satrapies (provinces).
  • Each satrapy was governed by a satrap who collected taxes, administered justice, and maintained order. The satraps could rule as they pleased aslong as they remained loyal

2.2. Infrastructure and Economy

2.2.1. Commerce

  • The Persians built an extensive road system covering 2,400 km from Susa to Sardis.
    • These roads supported efficient communication and economic growth.
  • They were among the first to use camels as transport animals.

2.2.2. Agriculture

  • The empire improved agricultural productivity by draining swamps and constructing irrigation systems.

3. Elsewhere

3.1. References

3.2. In my garden

Notes that link to this note (AKA backlinks).

Glossary

satrap
A provincial governor in the ancient Persian Empire. ↑
satrapy
A province governed by a satrap. ↑

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