Persian Empire or Achaemenid Empire (6th–4th century BCE)
The Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, was established by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC. Centered in modern-day Iran, it became the world’s largest empire at the time, covering 5.5 million square kilometers. The empire extended from the Balkans and Egypt in the west to Central and South Asia in the east.
Cyrus’s rise began in Persis, the southwestern part of Iran, where he defeated the Medes, Lydia, and the Neo-Babylonians, formally founding the Achaemenid dynasty. The empire is renowned for its centralized administration, multicultural policies, extensive infrastructure, including roads and a postal system, use of official languages, and a professional army. Its governance model influenced later empires.
In 330 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire, marking the start of the Hellenistic period. The Ptolemaic Kingdom and Seleucid Empire, successors to Alexander, ruled its territories. After almost a century of Hellenistic rule, the Iranian elites regained power under the Parthian Empire.
The list you provided outlines the rulers of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the most significant ancient Persian empires. Here’s a summary of the rulers mentioned in your list:
- Achaemenes (705 BC): First ruler of the Achaemenid kingdom and founder of the dynasty.
- Teispes (640 BC): Son of Achaemenes.
- Cyrus I (580 BC): Son of Teispes, the first Achaemenid ruler with attestation.
- Cambyses I (550 BC): Son of Cyrus I and father of Cyrus II. No records from his reign survive.
- Cyrus II (560–530 BC): Also known as Cyrus the Great, he transformed the dynasty into an empire and was the King of the “four corners of the world.”
- Cambyses II (530–522 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Gaumata (522 BC): Allegedly an impostor named Gaumata, who claimed to be King of Persia.
- Darius I (522–486 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt. Cousin of Cambyses II and Bardiya.
- Xerxes I (486–465 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Xerxes II (424 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt. Assassinated by his half-brother and successor, Sogdianus.
- Sogdianus (424–423 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Darius II (423–405 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt. His birth name was Ochus.
- Artaxerxes II (405–358 BC): King of Persia. The longest-reigning Achaemenid king, ruling for 47 years. His birth name was Arses.
- Artaxerxes III (358–338 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt. Re-conquered Egypt after it was lost during the reign of Artaxerxes II. His birth name was Ochus.
- Artaxerxes IV (338–336 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt. His birth name was Arses.
- Darius III (336–330 BC): King of Persia in addition to Pharaoh of Egypt; last ruler of the Achaemenid Empire. His birth name was either Artashata or Codomannus.
This period of Persian history is significant for its expansion and influence in the ancient world.