550 BCE-330 BCE
Lesson 1: Rise of the Achaemenids
Who was Cyrus and how was the Achaemenid Empire established?
Lesson 2: Conquest of Babylon and the Cyrus Cylinder
After conquering the Babylonians, Cyrus issued one of the world’s first human rights charters.
Lesson 3: Cambyses II and the Beginning of Darius’ Reign
Before his death, Cyrus assigned Cambyses with the task of conquering Egypt, the last of the four superpowers of the region.
Lesson 4: Darius’ Accomplishments
During Darius’ reign, Persia reached its greatest extent and his improvements to the land enriched Persia and people’s lives even further.
Lesson 5: Darius Enters Europe
Despite not being successful in adding the Scythian land to his Empire, Darius’ campaign into Europe was a success. He gained the territories of Thrace becoming the new satrapy of Skudra giving him a firm hold in Europe for a future return.
Lesson 6: Xerxes’ Reign
Demonstrating his foresight, Xerxes ordered a canal to be dug at Mt. Athos Peninsula going around the highlands at the south of the mountain.
Lesson 7: Life in the Persian Heartland
. The Persian Empire was composed of many diverse lands and peoples with their own languages, customs, and religions.
Lesson 8: Decline of the Achaemenid Empire
The vile manner of Xerxes’ assassination and the sinister events that followed months and years after his death led to the decline and eventually fall of the Achaemenid Empire.
Lesson 9: Fall of the Achaemenid Empire and the Hellenic Iran
In 334 BCE, at 22 years of age Alexander led an army across Hellespont into Asia Minor.
