Iranian history...Persia

[Realist]

Im in the middle of reading Cyropaedia by Xenophon, a biography of Cyrus the Great written in the 4th century bc, it inspired me to make this thread.

What was the (ancient) Persian Empire?

It can be classed into four empires.

1. The Median Empire. 612-549b.c




This empire can be seen as the first 'true' Persia
n Empire. It was established by defeating the Neo Assyrians of modern day northern Iraq.

Not much is known about this empire, its existence as a contiguous empire is even debated, and a lot of the Information comes from the biography of Cyrus, in which he overthrew his grandfather Astyages, King of Media to establish the Achamaenid Empire.

Not much exists from the time of the Median Empire adding to its mystery.

2. The Achaemenid Empire. 550-330b.c

This empire had been the largest empire in history at the time of its greatest extent under Darius the Great.



It stretched from Greece to modern day Pakistan, almost exactly the empire of Alexander the Great...But unlike his which fragmented upon his death, the Achaemenid Empire stood for more than 200 years as the worlds greatest empire.

Its first king, Cyrus the Great was a great leader, and humanitarian. He freed the Jews from captivity, ensured that everyone in his empire could worship whoever they wanted, and respected the customs and cultures of the many peoples he conquered.

He commissioned the 'Cyrus cylinder', which has been argued as the first human rights declaration in the world (controversial). Nevertheless, Cyrus set the foundations of a large and prosperous empire that was respected by all.



Cyrus' sons would take the empire to new heights, notable Darius the Great, but everything that rises must fall.

The Empire was invaded by Alexander of Macedon, and having being weakened over the years, and under Darius III's less that strong leadership, it eventually crumbled.

This empire provided some of the best architecture in the world, and there would be a lot more if Alexander hadn't sacked the capital, Persepolis.

Persepolis would have been a sight to see...





Achaemenid gold trinket showing quality craftsmanship

 

[Realist]

3. Parthian Empire. 247b.c-244a.d



I do not class the Seleucid Empire as 'Persian', as it was Greek in nature, customs, and rulers.

This is the second great Persian Empire, which lasted slightly longer than the Achaemenid Empire.

It was established by Arasces of Parthia, and the Empire quickly rose in power and prestige to more than match the rising Roman power, in the west.

In fact, one of Romes greatest losses, the Battle of Carrhae came at the hands of the Parthians, where ~9000 Parthians killed a Roman army of over 20,000. Such was the scale of this defeat, that the Roman Emperor, Valerian was himself captured, and used as the Shah of Parthia, Shapur's footstool and personal table.



Emperor Valerian asking Shapur for mercy

The Roman soldiers captured at this battle were sold on to China as mercenaries and slaves, and in one text, there is mention of a 'fish scale' formation used in China. That formation, the Testsudo was a unique Roman feature, showing how far the Parthians had trading partners.

Ctesiphon, the capital of the Parthian Empire




Upon weakening of the Empire by repeated Roman incursions, and battles over Armenia, a local ruler from Persia proper, Ardashir met the Parthian king at Ifsahan, and defeated him, giving rise to the....

4. Sassanid Empire 224-651a.d



This Empire started with vigour and optimism. Zoroastrianism was made state religion again, as the Sassanids saw themselves the true succesors of the Achaemenids. They began by reclaiming the lost territories of the former Empire, and under Shah Kosraru II, managed to have hold (albeit briefly) over a greater area than the Achaemenids.

This Empire was feared and respected, even by Rome at its peak. The two empires referred to each other as equals and brothers, but this did not stop that human hobby, war.

The Sassanids and the Eastern Roman Empire were almost always at war, over land, and the most devastating, the invasion by Emperor Heraclius. Heraclius devastated the Empire, depleting it of money, manpower and morale. This left the Sassanid Empire wide open for the Arabs, who had a significantly weaker foe to defeat, as opposed to the Empire at its peak.



Ardashir made King



Rayen Castle

Sassanid dish