Ancient Persia

Ancient Persia was a mighty empire that began in modern-day Iran. Under King Cyrus the Great, it grew into the largest empire the world had ever seen. The Persian Empire was known for its tolerance of different cultures and religions. It lasted from about 550 to 330 BCE.

Building a Great Empire

Cyrus the Great founded the Persian Empire around 550 BCE. He conquered many lands but treated the people he defeated with respect. Darius the Great organized the empire with roads, a postal system, and a single currency. The Royal Road stretched over 1,600 miles across the empire.

Persian Culture

The Persians built beautiful palaces at Persepolis with tall columns and carved walls. They followed a religion called Zoroastrianism. Persian gardens were famous for their beauty and inspired gardens around the world. The empire fell when Alexander the Great conquered it in 330 BCE.

Fun Facts

• The Persian Empire was the largest empire in the ancient world, with about 44 percent of the world's population.
• Cyrus the Great wrote one of the first declarations of human rights on a clay cylinder.
• The word "paradise" comes from an old Persian word for a walled garden.

Did You Know?

Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem.