- The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, existed in Iran between 559-331 BCE, with its capital at Persepolis. At its greatest extent it included Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Between 333 and 331 BCE, the Persian Empire was invaded by Alexander the Great. It was then split up and ruled by his Greek Generals.
Later Empires
- Parthian Empire (247 BCE-224 CE)
- It had its capital at Ctesiphon.
- Sassanid Empire (224-651 CE)
- It also had its capital at Ctesiphon.
Persian Royal Road
- The Persian Royal Road was built by Darius the Great (c.550-486 BCE) and ran across the Persian Empire from the Persian Gulf to the Aegean.
- By the speed of communications along this road, the Darius was able to control the Achaemenid Empire.
Persepolis, Iran