Civilization · Iron Age · Achaemenid Empire

Achaemenid Empire

550–330 BCE

The Achaemenid Empire was the first Persian Empire and the largest the ancient world had seen. Cyrus the Great founded it in 550 BCE; at its height it ruled from India to Greece. Alexander the Great destroyed it in 330 BCE.

Facts

Founded: 550 BCE, Cyrus the Great united the Medes and Persians.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Achaemenid Empire
Ended: 330 BCE, conquered by Alexander the Great.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Achaemenid Empire
Heartland: Persia, capitals Pasargadae, Persepolis, and Susa, in present day Iran.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Achaemenid Empire
Major rulers: Cyrus the Great, the founder; Darius I, the organizer; Xerxes I, who invaded Greece.; Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Achaemenid Empire

Images

Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Persian kings. (Wikimedia Commons)

Comments

Loading comments…