World Civilization
1550 to the present
World Civilization Interactive Journey
HIST 4130/5130
The Middle Ages
HIST 4950/5950
Medieval Monasticism
HIST 4140/5140
Renaissance and
Reformation
HIST 4280/5280:
Intellectual and
Cultural History
of Europe
to 1500 C.E.
HIST 4285/5285:
Intellectual and
Cultural History
of Europe
since 1500 C.E.
IDST 2310:
The Fine and
Applied Arts
in Civilization
Databases, Bibliographies,
and other WWW
Research Resources
Georgia College &
State University
Persia
OBJECTIVES: 1. Be able to discuss the most noteworthy achievements of the Persian empire and its most noteworthy rulers. 2. Be able to discuss the career and beliefs of the prophet Zoroaster. 3. Be able to discuss the influence of Zoroastrianism on other religions such as Christianity. 4. Be able to discuss the influence of the Persian political structure on later rulers such as Alexander the Great.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: What similarities does the teaching of Zoroaster bear to Christianity? Why did Zoroaster call evil the "lie"? What could explain the proliferation of great religious thinkers in the Axis Age? The prophet Zoroaster was another of the great figures of the Axis Age. The pronounced dualism of his thought influenced later Christianity. Though not very long-lived, this unique religion was one of the great contributions of the axis era.I. Geography II. Migrations of the Indo Europeans: i. The Medes and the Persians ii. unification of the Medes in 8th century b.c. iii. conquest of Persians iv. sack of Nineva in 612 b.c. III. Fall of Medes and Rise of the Persians -- A. Cyrus and conquest in 550 b.c. i. 546 b.c. -- conquest of Greek colonies on Asia Minor ii. sea trade iii. 539 b.c. -- conquest of Babylon a) ended Babylonian Captivity of Jews b) began Achaemenid empire B. Darius I (522-486 b.c.) i. uniform coinage ii. standard weights and measures iii. postal service iv. calendar from Egypt v. code of law vi. expeditions into eastern Europe to Danube River vii. India -- Hindush satrap from Indus River to Nile viii. proposed canal from Nile to Red Sea IV. Characteristics of Persia A. government i. satraps -- ii. governor iii. military -- the Immortals iv. King elected by gods, received tribute B. Eclectic society i. toleration ii. trade iii. Royal Road iv. adoption of official language-- Aramaic v. capitals -- Susa and Persepolis vi. PAX ARCHAEMENICA C. influence on Alexander the Great OUTLINE
V. Zoroatrianism i. Zarathustra ii. The Avesta iii. Dualism a) Ahura Mazda b) Ahriman iv. Traditions a) Judgment day b) treatment of the dead c) priesthood -- Magi v. Cult of Mithras vi. influences on Christianity a) battle between good and evil b) life after death c) good works vii. the decline and resurgence of Zoroastrinisn