Achaemenid Empire

Achaemenid Empire‏‎, also known as the First Persian Empire, was an ancient Iranian empire based in Western Asia founded by Cyrus the Great. Ranging at its greatest extent from the Balkans and Eastern Europe proper in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, it was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers.

History

The Achaemenid Empire was created by nomadic Persians. The Persians were an Iranian people who arrived in what is today Iran c. 1000 BC and settled a region including north-western Iran, the Zagros Mountains and Persis alongside the indigenous Elamites.

Founding (550 BC)

The empire was founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC, when he defeated the Median Empire as a vassal king, and incorporated it into his own realm. Cyrus the Great then went on to establish the world's first multi-state empire.

Expansion under Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great rapidly expanded his territories. He first conquered the Median Empire, then the Lydian Empire, and eventually the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He also led an expedition into Central Asia, which resulted in major campaigns that were described as having brought "into subjection every nation without exception".

Government and politics

The Achaemenid Empire was noted for its development of a centralized and bureaucratic administration, the use of an official language across its territories, and the construction of infrastructural projects such as roads and a postal system.

Culture

The Achaemenid Empire had a complex and progressive culture with a government based on imperial bureaucracy and military supremacy. The empire also left a lasting legacy with its use of a standardized currency throughout its territories.

Decline and fall

The decline of the Achaemenid Empire began when it was invaded by the Macedonians and their allies, the Spartans, in 331 BC. The empire was eventually defeated by Alexander the Great.

Legacy

The Achaemenid Empire left a lasting legacy on the world, influencing future empires and civilizations with its culture, political systems, and military strategies.