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The Achaemenid Empire

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About

The Achaemenid Empire was one of the most significant empires in ancient history, spanning from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and lasting for over two centuries. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the Achaemenid Empire, as well as its impact on the ancient world and its legacy in modern times. Through lectures, readings, discussions and assignments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Achaemenid Empire and its historical significance.
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What You will learn?

  • The political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the Achaemenid Empire
  • The impact of the Achaemenid Empire on the ancient world
  • The legacy of the Achaemenid Empire in modern times
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading of primary and secondary sources
  • Effective communication skills through class discussions and written assignments
  • The rise of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great
  • The administrative structure of the empire, including satrapies and the royal road
  • The role of the Great King and the Persian aristocracy
  • Royal succession and the struggle for power
  • The agrarian base of the Achaemenid economy, including land distribution and taxation
  • The role of the royal treasury, including tribute and minting
  • Trade and cultural interaction along the Silk Road
  • The diversity of Achaemenid society, including Persians, Medes, Babylonians, and others
  • Zoroastrianism, the royal cult, and funerary practices
  • Art and architecture, including the Persian palace and Persepolis
  • The empire's interactions with the Greeks, Near East, and Central Asia
  • The legacy of the Achaemenid Empire, including its reception by Alexander the Great and the Seleucids
  • The Achaemenid Empire and Islam, including the legacy of Cyrus and the Persian identity.

Curriculum

Introduction
During the first week of the course, students will be introduced to the Achaemenid Empire, its geography, chronology, and sources. They will also learn about the rise of the Achaemenids under Cyrus the Great, including his conquests and their significance. Finally, students will study the administrative structure of the Achaemenid Empire, including its satrapies, the royal road, and communication network. By the end of the week, students will have a basic understanding of the Achaemenid Empire and the context in which it emerged.

Politics and Power
During Week 2 of the course on the Achaemenid Empire, students will learn about the politics and power structures within the empire. This includes an analysis of the role of the Great King, the ideology and propaganda that supported the ruler's power, and the representation of the Great King through various means. Additionally, students will examine the role of the Persian aristocracy and the imperial court, including the privileges and responsibilities of the nobility within the empire. The topic of royal succession will also be covered, including the struggle for power between Xerxes and Artaxerxes, and the impact this had on the stability of the empire. Overall, this week's content will provide insight into the complex power structures that existed within the Achaemenid Empire.

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Free
Free access this course
Enrollment validity: Lifetime

Description

The Achaemenid Empire was one of the most significant empires in ancient history, spanning from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and lasting for over two centuries. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the Achaemenid Empire, as well as its impact on the ancient world and its legacy in modern times. Through lectures, readings, discussions and assignments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the Achaemenid Empire and its historical significance.

Course Goals:

  • To provide students with a thorough understanding of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the Achaemenid Empire
  • To analyze the impact of the Achaemenid Empire on the ancient world and its legacy in modern times
  • To develop critical thinking and analytical skills through close reading of primary and secondary sources
  • To enhance students’ ability to communicate their ideas effectively through class discussions and written assignments

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to the Achaemenid Empire

  • Overview of the Achaemenid Empire: geography, chronology, and sources
  • The rise of the Achaemenids: Cyrus the Great and his conquests
  • The administrative structure of the Achaemenid Empire: satrapies, royal road, and communication network

Week 2: Politics and Power in the Achaemenid Empire

  • The role of the Great King: ideology, propaganda, and representation
  • The role of the nobility: the Persian aristocracy and the imperial court
  • Royal succession: Xerxes, Artaxerxes, and the struggle for power

Week 3: Economy and Trade in the Achaemenid Empire

  • The agrarian base of the Achaemenid economy: land distribution, taxation, and irrigation
  • The role of the royal treasury: tribute, taxation, and minting
  • The Silk Road: trade, exchange, and cultural interaction

Week 4: Society and Culture in the Achaemenid Empire

  • The diversity of the Achaemenid society: Persians, Medes, Babylonians, and others
  • Religion and ritual: Zoroastrianism, the royal cult, and funerary practices
  • Art and architecture: the Persian palace, Persepolis, and the Achaemenid legacy

Week 5: The Achaemenid Empire and the Ancient World

  • The Achaemenid Empire and the Greeks: Herodotus, Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis
  • The Achaemenid Empire and the Near East: Babylon, Egypt, and the Levant
  • The Achaemenid Empire and Central Asia: Bactria, Sogdiana, and the nomads

Week 6: The Legacy of the Achaemenid Empire

  • The reception of the Achaemenid legacy: Alexander the Great, the Seleucids, and the Parthians
  • The Achaemenid Empire and Islam: the legacy of Cyrus and the Persian identity
  • The Achaemenid Empire in modern times: nationalism, archaeology, and cultural heritage

Instructors:

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