HISTORY 36B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Babylonian Captivity, Aramaic Language, Medes
Document Summary
Archaeological record and inscriptions in old persian. Greeks refer to this geographical region and its peoples as persia/persians. Greeks refer all non-greek speakers as barbaroi . Cyrus the second, of the achaemenid family. Takes regional control from the medes (559-530 bce) Lydia"s capital sardis becomes chief administrative center in asia minor for the empire. In conquering lydia, persia absorbs greek colonies. Achieved unity despite the many languages, customs, laws, religions in the region. Permitted everyone to practice their own religion. Allowed the jews to return to jerusalem from the babylonian captivity and rebuild their temple. His son cambyses succeeded him (530 - 522 bce) and added. Re-organizes administrative and financial structure of the empire. Started the grand infrastructure projects that made capital famous. Canal linking the nile and red sea. Mints coins in silver and gold darics . Each satrapy had civil and military authorities and paid tribute to the king.
