How was the Persian empire was different from the Assyrian Empire?
Read carefully and take notes.
http://www.san.beck.org/EC6-Assyria.html
A Venn diagram may help you.
To understand how the Persian Empire was different from the Assyrian Empire, we can examine various aspects such as geography, governance, conquests, culture, and religious tolerance.
1. Geography:
The Assyrian Empire, which existed from around 2500 BCE to 605 BCE, was located in the region of Mesopotamia, mainly present-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. On the other hand, the Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, emerged in the 6th century BCE and expanded to cover a vast territory spanning from modern-day Iran to Egypt, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia. Its capital was located in Persepolis, in present-day Iran.
2. Governance:
The Assyrian Empire was known for its centralized and militaristic approach to governance. It was ruled by kings who held absolute power and utilized a strong military to enforce their authority. In contrast, the Persian Empire adopted a more decentralized administration, allowing local rulers to retain some autonomy while pledging loyalty to the Persian king. The Persian kings also implemented a system of satrapies, appointing satraps (provincial governors) to oversee different regions.
3. Conquests:
The Assyrian Empire was known for its ruthless and often brutal military campaigns. They subjected conquered territories to strict control and taxation. In comparison, the Persian Empire adopted a more benevolent approach to rule. They sought to establish a stable empire through diplomacy, incorporating conquered peoples into their empire while allowing them to retain their own customs and traditions. This approach facilitated the assimilation of different cultures into the Persian Empire.
4. Culture:
The Assyrian Empire had a distinct cultural identity characterized by their art, architecture, and renowned library at Nineveh. They were known for their advanced military technology and engineering skills. The Persian Empire, on the other hand, was influenced by a variety of cultures due to its vast territory and diverse population. Persian art and architecture, such as the grand palaces at Persepolis, were influenced by both Persian and other regional styles. Persian literature and philosophy also played a significant role in shaping the empire's cultural mosaic.
5. Religious tolerance:
While the Assyrian Empire assimilated certain religious beliefs and deities from conquered territories, they often imposed their own gods and religious practices upon their subjects. In contrast, the Persian Empire allowed conquered peoples to freely practice their own religion, promoting a policy of religious tolerance. The Persians themselves followed the Zoroastrian religion, but the empire also facilitated the rebuilding of temples and the restoration of local religious traditions.
In conclusion, the Persian Empire differed from the Assyrian Empire in terms of geography, governance, conquests, culture, and religious tolerance. By understanding these differences, we gain valuable insights into the unique characteristics and historical significance of each empire.