Persian Empire BY Alexis Carpenter and Jessalynn Goulette

The Persian Empire's rise and fall were between 550 BC - 336 BC.

Government

Persia's empire was based off of a monarchy system, meaning it is ruled by one person. The emperor enlisted 20 separate provinces lead by satraps. With a weak hold of power, each province had different rules and policies, declaring war on each other. Satrapies were treated more as kings rather than king's loyal subjects. Because of the differences between the provinces, along with the government's weak rule, the empire began to fail shortly after it started.

Economic

Agriculture was the main source of income in the Persian Empire. Most of the produce was sent to the government for tax purposes.

Persian taxes became heavier and more oppressive. Thus, leading into economic depression and revolts, which in turn led to heavier taxes, and so on. Rulers began hoarding silver and gold, rather than recirculating it, creating economic destruction because there isn't enough for business. The Persian kings got wealthier, feeding back into the revolts, and so on.

Iconic Persian Empire Image

Social

Once strong leaders were no longer in the question, Persia's empire started to break down. Organizing riots and other actions of revolt against leaders were becoming more common.

Having children is an important life task and seen as a "blessing" for all married couples.

Religion

"In ancient Persia (Iran), it was believed that the sky was the first part of the world to be created. It was described as a round empty shell made of rock crystal, passing beneath as well as above the earth. Water was created next, followed by the earth. In its original state, the earth was flat, with no valleys or mountains and the sun stood still at the noonday position. Then came plants and animals. Human beings were the sixth creation, and fire probably the seventh and last. Thus the cycle of life started and the sun moved creating night and day and the first NoRooz came to pass." -http://www.artarena.force9.co.uk/cotw.htm

In Ancient Persia, many believed in life after death. There were no notions of heaven, hell, reward or punishment. After death the spirit, known as an "urvan," would wander around Earth for three days before leaving for the "Kingdom of the Dead."

Art and Intellectual

Because of the fall of the Persian Empire, people no longer received the resources to make and sculpt beautiful pieces of or buildings, leading to a minimal production of artwork.

The economic and political perspectives of the Persian Empire greatly affected the fall of it's society. If their decision was to work as a monarchy, the king should have had more control, rather than disputing the roles. Rather than hoarding silver and gold, officials should have worked on recirculating it. On the other hand, I feel as though their religion aspect was helpful to keep some at peace and hopeful.

Credits:

Created with images by yisus10 - "shiraz bridge persia" • hoomarg - "persian art tradiotional" • Arian Zwegers - "Palmyra, Temple of Bel"

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