A dualistic religion of the Persian Empire after 600 BCE. Zoroastrianism is a religious system attributable to the prophet Zoroaster, 660 BCE. Tenants of Zoroastrianism include the duality of a 'god of light' and a 'god of darkness' who struggle for influence over humanity. Zoroastrianism assumes adherents have free-will, with …

Persian Empire, Middle East- The Royal Road is a vast system of principal roadways constructed, 500 BCE. The Royal Road was at least 1600 miles in length and allowed for efficient transportation of troops from region to region within the Persian empire. The Road also allowed for rapid communication between …

Now Available!

I recently finished reading The Rover by Joseph Conrad with a team of volunteers over at librivox. The Rover is a very interesting book and not as swashbuckling as the title might make it seem. I could really relate to the character of Peyrol because in some ways …

A unit of Persian governance similar to a province. The Persian empire consisted of more than twenty of these provinces which were arranged by geography and ethnicity. Each satrapy was ruled by a Satrap or Governor. The satrapies were under the rule of the Great King of Persia, but had …

521 - 486 BCE- The Great King of Persia who was able to emerge as king after a year of civil war following the death of Cambyses, son of Cyrus the Great. Darius is regarded to have strengthened the Persian Empire, including building a canal from the Red Sea and the …

559 - 530 BCE- One of the great kings of Persia, Cyrus conquered many kingdoms and ruled them beneficently. Cyrus was responsible for the defeat of the Medes, the Chaldeans , the Lydians, and many other peoples. Cyrus had a reputation for mercy, and even allowed subject states to participate in governance …