Persian Empire Chapter 1 Outline

Arya Rawal

Miss Haselton

AP World History - Period 6

12 September 2015

Chapter 4 IDs - Eurasian Empires

Thesis Statement: The Classical Eurasian Empires, all emerging around 500 B.C.E., often came into contact with one another, leading to conflict, trade, and cultural diffusion.

1. Persian Empire: The Persian Empire was one of wealth and splendor based in Iran and the Persian Gulf. From 557 to 331 B.C.E., it spanned from Egypt to the Indus River. Through conquests, 35 million people came to live under Persian rule. This empire was heavily influenced by previous civilizations, like Babylon and Assyria. Monarchs with absolute, unquestionable power ruled the empire. Ahura Mazda, a Persian god, assigned this authority to the rulers. Because The

Hellenistic Era: Lasting from 323 to 30 B.C.E., the Hellenistic Era was when Greek culture began to dominate the areas from the Mediterranean Basin to the Indus Valley. Alexander the Great directly impacted the beginning of this era, as his conquests helped diffuse Greek culture. One of the main forces of diffusion was the establishment of cities. These cities were built with Greek influences, like their sculptures, markets, theaters, and forms of government. When poeple came to the cities to trade, ship, or send messages, they absorbed Greek culture, and brought it back to their homes.

10. Pax Romana: Pax Romana translates to Roman peace. It lasted from 96 to 180 C.E., when the Roman Empire was at its height, with an impressive empire encompassing 6,500,000 square kilometers. The Roman Empire was relatively peaceful, with very few attacks, benevolent rulers, successful economy, and a flourishing culture. (Political, Cultural, Economic)

11. Caesar Augustus: Caesar Augustus, or earlier known as Octavian, was a military commander who later became the emperor of the Roman Empire. His reign lasted from 27 B.C.E. to 14 C.E. His title, Caesar Augustus, implied that he was a ruler with godlike qualities. This marked the end of republics in Rome and the rise of the empire. Augustus was a humble ruler, and seeked to preserve republic values, by refraining from calling himself an emperor, or king. His rule began the Pax Romana, or the era of great peace in the Roman Empire. (Political,

Qin Dynasty: The Qin Dynasty endured fifteen years before its collapse. From 221 to 206 B.C.E., Shihuangdi ruled the dynasty under Legalism, and believed that when the people follow the laws, the country will become strong. The bronze and iron industries were growing during this time period, as well as large agricultural output. The population of the Chinese Empire was at its largest. The Qin Dynasty had some instability regarding landownership. Peasants were forced to sell their farmland to large and wealthy tax-evading families, causing some unrest. Before the Qin Dynasty, China was made up of several warring states. Shihuangdi united the empire and established a foundation for coming empires in China. (Political, Interaction, Cultural, Economic)

13. Persepolis: Persepolis was one of the most opulent cities of the Persian Empire, and was located in present-day Iran. The city, constructed in 518 B.C.E., contained lavish buildings, temples, monuments, and sculptures. It was established under the Persian ruler Darius I, who believed he was meant to build the city due to the words of the god, Ahura Mazda. (Cultural,