Persian Empire

Start of the Persian Empire

550 BCE

Cyrus II, later known as Cyrus the Great, comes to power as king of Ashan in western Persia. Under his control all of Persia is united

Cyrus's Reign and Death

533 BCE

Cyrus continues to take over more lands. In 533 B.C. he invades India. He later dies in battle in 529 B.C.

The Family Line Continues on

529 BCE

After the death of his father, Cambyses II rules. He conquers both Egypt and Cyprus, extending the empire even more. He dies in 522 B.C.

Darius I Reigns

521 BCE

Darius claims the throne, but Bardiya, presumably Cambyses' brother, claims it, too.

The Persian War

490 BCE

The Greeks and Persians battle for territory for several years. Sometimes the Persians win. Sometimes the Greeks win. In 485 B.C. Darius dies.

Xerxes I Rules

485 BCE

Xerxes I comes to power after the death of Darius. He continues the war with Greece. The Persians burn Athens in 480, but are defeated at Salamis the following year when the fleet sinks. Xerxes is assassinated in 465.

Artaxerxes Reigns

465 BCE

Xerxes' son, Artaxerxes, takes over the empire. During his reign he allows his cupbearer Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to restore the walls to protect the city. In 447 B.C. a satrap from Syria revolts

Artaxerxes comes

404 BCE

Artaxerxes comes to the throne in 404 after the reign of Darius II. He rules longer than any other Persian king. During this time, Egypt leads a successful revolt.

Artaxerxes III recaptures Egypt

359 BCE

Egypt doesn't stay independent for long. In 343 Persia regains control. Artaxerxes III is assassinated in 338 B.C. Arses takes over, but is assassinated two years later.

Darius and Alexander

336 BCE

Darius III takes over. In 334 Alexander the Great of Macedonia invades Central Asia. Darius loses three battles with Alexander and is finally defeated in 331. He is murdered in 330 B.C. The great Persian Empire is no more.