Timeline of the Classical Persian Empire

By tkang
  • Period: 610 BCE to 580 BCE

    Zarathustra's Life

    The founder of the Zoroastrianism, which was hugely influential in classical Persia. It was the first religion to introduce the idea of salvation, and it made a big impact on other religions.
  • Period: 558 BCE to 530 BCE

    Reign of Cyrus the Achaemenid

    Cyrus the Great, a brilliant strategist, becomes king of the Persian tribes. He then begins his conquests to create the first Persian empire, laying the foundation for future empires.
  • Period: 558 BCE to 330 BCE

    Achaemenid Empire

    The time from when the Achaemenid empire was first built to the times when it was destroyed by Alexander the Great. This empire made a long lasting impact on many people, and made many advances in government and technology.
  • Period: 521 BCE to 486 BCE

    The Reign of Darius

    The 3rd and greatest Achaemenid emperor, who not only spread its territory, but kept it together as well. He employed various administrative techniques to maintain control over his empire, such as satrapies, a standardized currency, and a uniform legal system throughout the land.
  • Period: 500 BCE to 479 BCE

    Persian Wars

    A series of battles between the Greek city states and the Persians, which was important in the fall of the Achaemenid empire. The start of these wars was marked by the rebellion of Ionian cities.
  • Period: 330 BCE to 323 BCE

    Reign of Alexander the Great

    A conqueror from Macedonia, who mounted his campaign against the Persians in 334 B.C., then took it over in 330 B.C. Although his army was much smaller than that of the Achaemenid empire, he used advanced tactics and well-disciplined men to overcome his opponents. He died in 323 B.C. after trying to expand his empire.
  • Period: 323 BCE to 83 BCE

    Seleucid Empire

    The empire formed after the death of Alexander the Great, which was founded by a commander named Seleucus. They built many cities, stimulating trade and communications within their empire, and even past that.
  • Period: 247 BCE to 224

    Parthian Empire

    An group of people from Iran, who revolted against the Seleucids with their heavy cavalry. They brought back Achaemenid traditions, and maintained a powerful empire until 224 C.E.
  • Period: 224 to 651

    Sasanid Empire

    A group of people from Persia, who claimed direct descent from the Achaemenids. They took over the Parthian empire in the early 3rd century, but was destroyed by the Islamic empire in 651 C.E.