Module #1 Introduction to the Achaemenid Empire Overview of the Achaemenid Empire, its significance, and course objectives
Module #2 The Ancient Near East Review of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Iranian plateau
Module #3 The Medes and the Rise of Cyrus the Great The Medes, Cyrus conquest of the Medes, and the Battle of Opis
Module #4 The Conquest of Lydia and Babylon Cyrus conquest of Lydia and Babylon, and the incorporation of these territories into the empire
Module #5 The Achaemenid Administrative System Organization of the empire, satrapies, and the role of satraps
Module #6 Royal Roads and Communication Networks The royal road system, messengers, and communication in the empire
Module #7 Taxation and Economy Taxation systems, trade, and economic policies in the empire
Module #8 The Role of the Royal Court The organization and functions of the royal court, including the role of the king, nobles, and eunuchs
Module #9 Conquest of Egypt and the Mediterranean Cyrus and Cambyses conquests of Egypt and the Mediterranean
Module #10 The Persian Wars with Greece The Ionian Revolt, the Battle of Marathon, and the Battle of Salamis
Module #11 Eastern Conquests:Central Asia and India Darius conquests of Central Asia and India, and the empires eastern borders
Module #12 The Achaemenid Navy and Maritime Trade The development of the Achaemenid navy and its role in trade and warfare
Module #13 Achaemenid Art and Architecture The characteristics and significance of Achaemenid art and architecture
Module #14 Zoroastrianism and Religious Tolerance The role of Zoroastrianism in the empire, and the tolerance of other religions
Module #15 The Achaemenid Legacy in the Ancient World The Achaemenid Empires influence on subsequent empires and civilizations
Module #16 The Achaemenid Legacy in Modern Times The ongoing impact of the Achaemenid Empire on modern politics, culture, and identity
Module #17 Internal Weaknesses and External Pressures The internal weaknesses and external pressures that contributed to the empires decline
Module #18 The Wars with the Greeks and the Satraps Revolts The wars with the Greeks and the satraps revolts that weakened the empire
Module #19 The Conquests of Alexander the Great Alexanders conquests of the Achaemenid Empire and the end of the empire
Module #20 The Aftermath of the Empires Fall The impact of the empires fall on the ancient world and the subsequent rise of other empires
Module #21 Women in the Achaemenid Empire The roles and influence of women in the empire, including queens and noblewomen
Module #22 Slavery and Social Hierarchy The institution of slavery and the social hierarchy in the empire
Module #23 Achaemenid Diplomacy and International Relations The empires diplomatic relations with other states and empires
Module #24 Archaeological Discoveries and New Perspectives Recent archaeological discoveries and their impact on our understanding of the Achaemenid Empire
Module #25 Persepolis:The Royal City The history and significance of Persepolis, the royal city of the Achaemenid Empire
Module #26 Susa:The Ancient Capital The history and significance of Susa, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire
Module #27 Babylon:The Captivity and the Return The history of Babylon during the Achaemenid period, including the Captivity and the Return
Module #28 Egypt:The Conquest and Administration The conquest of Egypt and its administration during the Achaemenid period
Module #29 Conclusion:The Significance of the Achaemenid Empire Review of the course and the significance of the Achaemenid Empire
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in The Rise and Governance of the Achaemenid Empire career