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Early Empires in the Ancient Near East: Assyria and Persia

Biography Activity
Early Empires in the Ancient Near East
Cyrus II (c. 559 B.C.–530 B.C.)

© Chris Hellier/CORBIS
Cyrus, also known as Cyrus the Great, unified the traditionally nomadic Persians and built a powerful empire that stretched across Asia Minor and modern-day Iran. He eventually took over the ancient city of Babylon. There was very little resistance because the Babylonians were unhappy with their ruler, Nabonidus. Despite his role as conqueror, Cyrus became a remarkably effective and popular leader. He freed the captive Jews and allowed them to return to Israel, and he respected and integrated the various cultures that made up Babylon and his entire empire. His government included Persians and representatives of the other native peoples, he honored and accepted local social and religious traditions, and he integrated Babylonian, Egyptian, and Assyrian design into the palaces he built. Through diplomacy, inclusion, and his merciful approach to ruling, Cyrus built the largest empire of the time and remained remarkably popular. While attempting to push his empire’s boundaries further east, Cyrus was killed in battle. He was succeeded by his son Cambyses, who would eventually invade Egypt and make it part of the Persian Empire.
More About the Image:This tapestry shows Cyrus II invading the city of Jerusalem in 538 B.C.
1.Drawing Inferences What did Cyrus’s actions as ruler reveal about his approach to governing?
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2.Drawing Conclusions Which of Cyrus’s actions do you think were most important to his successful rule?
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Biography Activity
Early Empires in the Ancient Near East
Darius I (521 B.C.–486 B.C.)

© The Art Gallery Collection / Alamy
More About the Image:This limestone relief from around 515 B.C. shows a Median officer paying homage to King Darius I.
As a young man, Darius was suspected of plotting against Cyrus the Great. Darius later served as a royal bodyguard to Cyrus’ son Cambyses, but upon Cambyses’ death, Darius staked his claim to the throne, which he had to take by force. After quelling a number of revolts, Darius established himself as ruler, and would go on to be one of the most effective the Persian Empire ever produced. He gained lands in India to the west and captured Thrace, ultimately controlling the Black Sea and access to Greece. As a ruler and administrator, Darius excelled. He created an elaborate communication system, building roads so messages could be transported quickly by horseback across the empire. He continued Cyrus’ approach to governance by including native ideas and respecting native religious practices. He fortified the empire with an unrivaled army and cavalry, built many palaces and governmental buildings, and perfected the satrap system for organizing provinces across the Persian Empire.
3.Interpreting Significance How might a communication system like the one Darius I built have helped him control his vast empire?
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4.Drawing Inferences Why do you think Darius I followed the example set by the rule of Cyrus I?
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Biography Activity
Early Empires in the Ancient Near East
Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 630 B.C.–561 B.C.)

© Bettmann/CORBIS
More About the Image:This undated illustration shows Nebuchadnezzar speaking to his court.
Son of the founder of the Chaldean Empire, Nebuchadnezzar established himself as a military administrator as a young man, eventually serving as commander-in-chief of his father’s army. He crushed the Egyptians to take control of Syria, and in 605 B.C., on his father’s death, Nebuchadnezzar claimed the throne. He would become one of Babylonia’s greatest rulers. He had a brilliant military mind, and he persisted in his goal to expand his domain, ultimately attacking and capturing Jerusalem in 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar’s administration of his lands was impressive, and he built vast wealth for the empire. Because he maintained a large army, he exacted high taxes from his people, but the city of Babylon thrived under his rule as a center for commerce and trade. Nebuchadnezzar was also dedicated to rebuilding the city of Babylon. He fortified the city with defense walls and a great moat, paved roads and expanded the canal system, repaired many temples in the city, and finally completed the massive Tower of Babel, which had been started centuries earlier.
5.Determining Cause and Effect How might Nebuchadnezzar’s military abilities have helped him in maintaining his empire?
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6.Making Generalizations How did Nebuchadnezzar’s reign help establish the Persian Empire for future rulers?
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Biography Activity
Early Empires in the Ancient Near East
Zoroaster (c. 628 B.C.–551 B.C.)

© Hulton Archive/Getty Images
More About the Image:This portrait of Zoroaster dates from around A.D. 558.
Zoroaster grew up in a family of knights in rural Media. Though not much is known about the specifics of his early life, he was probably a priest of some kind when, according to legend, he received a vision from Ahuramazda, the “Wise Lord.” Zoroaster preached a form of monotheism, or belief in a single god, in which Ahuramazda represented life and all things good and Ahriman represented evil (“not life” or “the Lie”). According to Zoroaster, all people had to choose between good and evil. Those who performed good deeds were rewarded by Ahuramazda both on Earth and in the afterlife. Those who chose evil faced eternal life in the regions of horror and darkness. Zoroaster’s teachings faced opposition from civil authorities and the religious powers who preached polytheism, or belief in multiple gods. Zoroastrianism took hold in Persia, and Zoroaster became a legendary figure throughout the region. Zoroaster has been viewed historically as a religious figure, a magician, an astrologer, a prophet, and even a mathematician.
7.Drawing Inferences How might a belief in a single god have benefitted the rulers of Persia?
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8.Making Generalizations Why do you think civil authorities and polytheistic religious leaders opposed Zoroaster’s religious ideas?
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