Persia's natural resources
Persia's natural resources.
The major cause of foreign interest in Persia (modern-day Iran) was its vast natural resources, particularly oil, discovered in the early 20th century. This oil wealth attracted the attention of European powers and later the United States, as they sought to secure energy supplies and expand their geopolitical influence in the region. Additionally, Persia's strategic location along trade routes and its historical significance further heightened foreign interest.
Natural Resources
Persia adopted a cosmopolitan approach and developed culture and prosperity. The Greeks traveled there to look and profit. This was added to by Persia's expansion westwards into the Greek world, taking over the Greek cities in Asia Minor which embroiled it in the endless Greek wars. Ultimately the richness of the Persian Empire attracted adventurers who attempted to take it over as a ready-made empire ripe for the picking. Sparta's king Agesilaos was on the brink of success in Asia Minor when he was recalled to deal with troubles at home. Philip of Macedonia set up an expedition, but was assassinated before he could carry it through, and his son Alexander took over the project and successfully made the Persian Empire into an empire of his own.
Persia's natural resources
Persia's natural resources, specifically petroleum.
Their Natural Resources
Persia's natural resources.
The major cause of foreign interest in Persia (modern-day Iran) was its vast natural resources, particularly oil, discovered in the early 20th century. This oil wealth attracted the attention of European powers and later the United States, as they sought to secure energy supplies and expand their geopolitical influence in the region. Additionally, Persia's strategic location along trade routes and its historical significance further heightened foreign interest.
Their Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Their Natural Resources
The discovery of oil deposits in the machine age.
Their Natural Resources
It was a central part of the Middle East and attracted various empires which absorbed it - Macedonian (Alexander the great), Macedonian Syria, Parthia, Sassanid, Islamic Caliphates. Finally, the discovery of large deposits of oil brought European and American developers.
Persia adopted a cosmopolitan approach and developed culture and prosperity. The Greeks traveled there to look and profit. This was added to by Persia's expansion westwards into the Greek world, taking over the Greek cities in Asia Minor which embroiled it in the endless Greek wars. Ultimately the richness of the Persian Empire attracted adventurers who attempted to take it over as a ready-made empire ripe for the picking. Sparta's king Agesilaos was on the brink of success in Asia Minor when he was recalled to deal with troubles at home. Philip of Macedonia set up an expedition, but was assassinated before he could carry it through, and his son Alexander took over the project and successfully made the Persian Empire into an empire of his own.