Curated OER
The Persian Empire: Venn Diagram
Compare and contrast the actions of King Darius and King Cyrus. Pupils use the Venn Diagram to compare and contrast, explaining how Cyrus used satraps, then describe the beliefs of Zoroaster.
Curated OER
The Ancient Middle East
Unlock the mysteries of the ancient Persian Empire with this presentation. Focusing on the militaristic and philosophical pursuits of the kingdom, the slides include photographs and maps to bring new life to Persepolis.
United Nations
Unesco: Persepolis
This World Heritage website looks at the ancient city of Persepolis, located in Iran. Found here are a description, maps, documentation, photos, and a video on its history.
University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas: Persian Empire About 500 Bc
Follow the Royal Highway of Darius I on this old map of the Persian Empire from University of Texas. The borders of the satrapies are shown also.
Forum Romanum
Outlines of Roman History: Decline of the Empire: Disintegration of Empire
This article from Morey's 1901 textbook recounts the attacks on the Roman Empire by the Sassinids from the east and the Germanic barbarians from the north.
Other
The Achaemenians
Read about the various kings of the Persian Empire and the battles they created to strengthen their empire.
Other
Alexander the Great, Synopsys
Follow Alexander the Great as he builds a tremendous empire, significantly changing and improving geography and history.
Other
1st Muse: Alexander in Mesopotamia
A discussion from 1st Muse which details the battles and events which led to Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire with illustrations and links to related material.
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Power Point: The Persian Empire
Tom Richey's PowerPoint presentation on the Persian Empire includes a comprehensive overview of ancient Persia with maps, informational text, and humor.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness: Alexander Defeats the Persians, 331 Bc
This article provides a general overview of Alexander's conquering of Persia in 331 B.C. Read the account of the Battle of Gaugamela written in the 2nd century AD but based on contemporary sources.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Achaemenid Empire
Encyclopedia entry on the Achaemenid or early Persian Empire. Page contains maps, photos, quotes, video and bibliography.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Bactria
Illustrated encyclopedia entry defines and explores the history of Bactria, a province of the Persian Empire.
Mb Soft
Believe: Zoroastrianism: General Information
Article with general information about Zoroastrian philosophies, growth, and legacy of this religion which dates back to the Persian Empire.
University of Chicago
Oriental Institute: The Persian Gallery
Read about the Persian Empire and the people that live there. Includes photos of artifacts.
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Early Peoples
Regents prep site giving the history of the Paleolithic Period and Early River Civilizations. Includes pictures and map.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Persepolis: The Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes
Famous for monumental architecture, Persian kings established numerous monumental centers. This article looks at one of those centers: Persepolis. Read about the history and view pictures of the architecture, art, and sculptures of...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: Herodotus
Excerpt from a commentary by Herodotus on the customs of the Persians.
PBS
Pbs: The Rest of the World in Time of Classical Greece
A summary of what was happening in other world cultures during the Classical period in ancient Greece.
Other
Encyclopedia of the Orient: Zoroastrianism
Learn specifics about Zoroastrianism, the non-pantheistic religion of the Persian Empire.
Other
Iranologie: Medes, the First Iranian Kingdom
Read about the early history of the Persian empire. The Medes' consolidation power, the economy, and religion of the people are all discussed.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Quiz: Persian Empire for Kids
History Questions: Persian Empire Quiz, Test, and WebQuest
Other
Xerxes Ii and Sogdianus
An article on the short reign of Xerxes II and the conspiracies surrounding him.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Alexander the Great
Explore the life of Alexander the Great and his Empire.