Persian Empire

Persia was officially renamed Iran in 1935. The change was part of a broader effort by the Iranian government to promote national identity and modernize the country. While "Persia" was commonly used in the West, "Iran" has been the name used by its inhabitants for centuries. The shift aimed to reflect the country's diverse ethnic makeup and cultural heritage.

Sugar production first moved from Persia through the Near East to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean around the 7th century AD. This expansion was facilitated by the spread of Islamic culture and trade routes, which helped disseminate sugarcane cultivation and processing techniques. By the 10th century, sugar had become a notable commodity in these regions, leading to its increased popularity and eventual production in Europe.

The "Prince of Persia" series follows the adventures of a nameless prince, often navigating through ancient Persia while battling various foes and overcoming mystical challenges. Central to the storyline is the manipulation of time, particularly through the use of the Sands of Time, which allows the prince to rewind time and alter his fate. The narrative typically involves themes of redemption, betrayal, and the struggle against dark forces, often featuring a quest to save a kingdom or a loved one. The series is known for its intricate platforming mechanics and rich storytelling elements.

Cyrus the Great conquered various peoples to establish the Achaemenid Empire, which aimed to unify diverse cultures under a single political entity. His military prowess and strategic diplomacy allowed him to expand his territory while often employing a policy of tolerance towards the customs and religions of the conquered peoples. This approach fostered loyalty and stability within the empire, enabling it to thrive and integrate various cultures. Additionally, Cyrus sought to enhance trade and economic prosperity through these conquests.

The Prince of Persia video game series does not explicitly adhere to any single religion, but it draws heavily on elements from Persian mythology, Islamic culture, and ancient history. The narrative often features themes of fate, good versus evil, and the supernatural, reflecting aspects of Zoroastrianism and Islamic beliefs. The games incorporate various mythological creatures and artifacts, creating a rich tapestry that is rooted in the historical and cultural context of ancient Persia.

During the ancient Persian Empire, Armenians primarily followed a form of polytheism, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses associated with natural elements and ancestral spirits. The most prominent deities included Aramazd, the creator god, and Anahit, the goddess of fertility and wisdom. It wasn't until the early 4th century AD that Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion, becoming the first nation to do so.

The Persian ruler is traditionally referred to as the "Shah," which means "king" in Persian. This title has been used by various monarchs throughout Persian history, particularly during the Achaemenid, Sassanian, and later dynasties. In more modern contexts, it was notably associated with the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who ruled until the 1979 revolution.

Athens defeated Persia at the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. This significant battle marked a pivotal moment in the Greco-Persian Wars, as the Athenian forces, though outnumbered, managed to secure a decisive victory against the Persian army. The victory not only boosted Athenian morale but also laid the groundwork for future Greek resistance against Persian expansion.

Persepolis was built as a ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire by Darius I in the 6th century BCE. It served as a symbol of Persian power and cultural achievement, showcasing the empire's wealth and architectural prowess. The site was used for important ceremonies, including the Persian New Year, and functioned as a central hub for administration and tribute collection from various regions of the empire. Its grandeur reflected the imperial ideology and the unification of diverse peoples under Persian rule.

Persia officially ceased to exist as a country in 1935 when Reza Shah Pahlavi requested that the international community refer to the country as Iran, reflecting its historical name. However, Persia had been gradually losing its identity and influence much earlier, particularly following the fall of the Qajar dynasty in the early 20th century and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty. The name change was part of a broader modernization effort and an attempt to forge a national identity aligned with the Persian heritage.

The Persian Empire, under Darius I, achieved remarkable territorial expansion and administrative organization, but it never regained that height due to a combination of internal strife, succession crises, and external pressures. Following Darius's reign, the empire faced challenges such as revolts in provinces, economic difficulties, and the rise of powerful enemies like Greece and later Alexander the Great. Additionally, the empire's vast size made it difficult to govern effectively, leading to fragmentation and weakening of central authority. These factors collectively contributed to the decline of the Persian Empire's power and influence.

Administrator privileges on a PC allow a user to make system-wide changes and access all files and settings, which is essential for running games like Prince of Persia that may require installation of additional software or modifications to system settings. These privileges enable the game to utilize necessary resources, manage graphics settings, and apply updates without restrictions. Without them, users might encounter errors or limitations that prevent the game from functioning properly.

Persian rulers divided their vast empire into smaller regions known as satrapies, each governed by a satrap or provincial governor. These satraps were often loyal members of the royal family or trusted officials, ensuring allegiance to the central authority. This administrative system allowed for efficient governance and tax collection while maintaining control over diverse cultures and territories within the empire.

The fall of the Persian Empire was primarily driven by a combination of internal strife, economic difficulties, and external pressures. The empire faced political instability due to leadership disputes and administrative overreach, which weakened central authority. Additionally, military defeats, particularly against the Greeks and later the rise of Alexander the Great, significantly eroded Persian power. Ultimately, these factors culminated in the rapid decline and conquest of Persia, leading to its dissolution.

The Judahites were freed from Babylonian captivity by King Cyrus of Persia in 538 BCE. Following his conquest of Babylon, Cyrus issued a decree that allowed the exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This event marked the beginning of the restoration of the Jewish community in Judah after decades of exile.

The parts of Alexander's empire that were never part of the Persian Empire primarily include regions in the northwest, such as Greece and Macedonia, where Alexander originated. Additionally, areas in the far west, like parts of modern-day Italy and the western Mediterranean islands, were also not under Persian control. Alexander's conquests extended into Persia, Egypt, and parts of Central Asia, but his homeland and some adjacent territories were independent of Persian rule.

Persia, particularly under the Achaemenid Empire, conquered several significant civilizations, including the Babylonian Empire, the Median Empire, and parts of the Lydian Kingdom. Additionally, they expanded into regions of the ancient Greek city-states, the Egyptian civilization, and territories in Central Asia and the Indus Valley. This vast empire stretched from the Balkans to the Indus River, showcasing Persia's influence over diverse cultures and societies.

The Persian Empire, particularly at its height under the Achaemenid dynasty, spanned a vast area that included parts of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and beyond. It extended west to the Aegean Sea, north to the Caucasus, and south to Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. The empire was known for its diverse cultures and efficient administration, connecting various regions through an intricate network of roads and communication.

The Hall of a Hundred Columns, located in Persepolis, Persia, does not actually contain exactly one hundred columns. Instead, it originally had 100 columns, but only 36 remain standing today. The hall served as a grand audience chamber and was notable for its impressive architectural design, symbolizing the power of the Achaemenid Empire. The number of columns may vary in historical accounts, but it is primarily referred to by this name due to its original design.

The transformation of the Persians from a nomadic people to an empire was marked by their unification under strong leadership, particularly during the reign of Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. They adopted agricultural practices, centralized governance, and developed sophisticated administrative systems, which facilitated the management of diverse populations. This transition was also characterized by military conquests that expanded their territory, allowing them to control trade routes and resources, ultimately leading to the establishment of one of the largest empires in history.

Alexander the Great ruled Persia after conquering the Achaemenid Empire in a series of battles, most notably the Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE. He adopted a policy of integration, respecting local customs and traditions while establishing a system of satrapies (provinces) to maintain control. Alexander encouraged intermarriage between his soldiers and Persian women, and he embraced Persian dress and customs to legitimize his rule. His approach helped stabilize his empire, although it also faced resistance from some Persian nobles.

The Persian king commonly referred to is Cyrus the Great, who founded the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE. He is renowned for his achievements in human rights, such as the Cyrus Cylinder, which is often considered the first charter of human rights. Another notable Persian king is Darius I, known for his administrative reforms and the expansion of the empire.

The Babylonian Empire was conquered in 539 B.C. by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. He led his forces against Babylon and captured the city, marking the end of Babylonian independence. This conquest was significant as it allowed Cyrus to expand his empire and promote a policy of tolerance towards the cultures and religions of the regions he conquered.

Alexander the Great launched his invasion of the Persian Empire in 334 BCE when he was 22 years old. He had already been king of Macedon for about two years, having ascended to the throne in 336 BCE after the assassination of his father, King Philip II. Alexander's military campaign marked the beginning of his quest to conquer the known world.

The number of kings who ruled Persia varies depending on the historical period considered. The Achaemenid Empire, one of the most notable Persian dynasties, had around 14 kings, including famous rulers like Cyrus the Great and Darius I. Other dynasties, such as the Parthians and Sassanids, also had their own series of kings. Overall, if considering all dynasties from ancient to modern times, the total number of Persian rulers would be in the dozens.