Historical Period · 550–330 BC
Achaemenid Persia
The Achaemenid period was the era of the first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, which became the largest empire the ancient world had yet seen.
Key Takeaways
- The Achaemenid Empire was the first Persian empire and the largest of its time.
- It was founded by Cyrus the Great, famed for tolerance toward conquered peoples.
- It pioneered imperial administration through satrapies and a royal road network.
- It fell to Alexander the Great between 334 and 330 BC.
- Span
- 550–330 BC
- Founder
- Cyrus the Great
- Fell to
- Alexander the Great
Founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, the Achaemenid Empire united the Near East under a tolerant, well-administered rule, until it fell to Alexander the Great two centuries later.
The Achaemenid period saw the rise of the first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 BC. Within a generation it became the largest empire the world had yet known, stretching from the Aegean to the Indus.
The Achaemenids were remembered for an unusually tolerant style of rule, respecting the religions and customs of conquered peoples, and for sophisticated administration through provincial satrapies linked by a royal road.
After two centuries of dominance — including the famous Greco-Persian Wars — the empire fell to Alexander the Great, whose victory at Gaugamela brought the Achaemenid era to a close.
Key Events
- Cyrus the Great's conquests and the founding of the empire
- The conquest of Babylon (539 BC)
- The Greco-Persian Wars
- Alexander's conquest (334–330 BC)
Major Ideas
- Religious and cultural tolerance
- Imperial administration by satrapy
Important Figures of Achaemenid Persia
Cyrus the Great
90Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the largest empire the ancient world had yet seen, remembered for his military genius and his tolerance toward conquered peoples.
Cyrus the Great
90Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, the largest empire the ancient world had yet seen, remembered for his military genius and his tolerance toward conquered peoples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Achaemenid Persian Empire?
Cyrus the Great founded the Achaemenid Empire in the mid-6th century BC, building the largest empire the ancient world had yet seen.