Use The Video Below To Answer The Questions

Use The Video Linked Below To Answer The Following Questions And Reme

Use the video linked below to answer the following questions (and remember to respond to at least 2 classmates for full credit): 1. Which leader was the first to really bring Persia into its "Golden Age?" Why was he seen as a "Great" leader? 2. What kind of projects was Darius involved with in order to help strengthen and expand the Empire (ie. military, construction, etc.)? 3. Why do think Persian leaders believe it was an honor to be compared to "Gardeners?" 4. Why do you believe the Persians and Greeks were almost constantly engaged in battle from the reign of Darius I onward? Video Link:

Paper For Above instruction

The Persian leader most credited with initiating what is commonly referred to as Persia’s "Golden Age" was Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was regarded as a "Great" leader primarily due to his immense accomplishments in founding and expanding the Persian Empire with a policy of tolerant governance and strategic military conquests. Unlike previous rulers, Cyrus established a vast empire that united diverse peoples and cultures under a relatively benevolent rule, setting the foundation for stability and prosperity throughout Persia (Klein, 2014). His humane approach, including the respectful treatment of conquered peoples and the respect for their customs and religions, earned him admiration not only within Persia but also across the ancient world, making him a symbol of enlightened leadership.

Darius I, his successor, significantly contributed to strengthening and expanding the empire through a variety of ambitious projects. Military campaigns under Darius extended Persia’s influence into parts of India, Central Asia, and Egypt, demonstrating strategic expansionism (Lloyd, 2012). Moreover, Darius undertook extensive construction projects, including the building of the Royal Road, which facilitated quicker communication and commerce across vast distances, and the creation of a centralized administrative system that improved taxation and governance. He also lavished resources on infrastructure, such as aqueducts, cities, and temples, reinforcing the empire’s unity and economic strength (Curtis & Tallis, 2014). These efforts not only expanded Persia’s territorial reach but also bolstered internal stability and integration among its diverse populations.

The analogy of Persian leaders being compared to "Gardeners" reflects their perceived role as cultivators and nurturers of a thriving empire. Persian rulers believed it was an honor because, like gardeners, they carefully cultivated their land, planted the seeds of prosperity, and tended to their subjects to ensure growth and stability. This metaphor highlights their responsibilities to nurture economic wellbeing, cultural diversity, and social harmony within the vast empire (Brandenburg, 2011). The "Gardeners" symbol also implies a sense of nurturing leadership, emphasizing that Persian rulers aimed to create a flourishing, well-maintained empire akin to a carefully tended garden, which would require patience, skill, and dedication.

From Darius I onward, the persistent conflicts between the Persians and Greeks can be attributed to several intertwined causes. Primarily, competition for territorial dominance and influence in the Aegean region fueled frequent clashes. The Greek city-states' desire for independence and expansion often put them at odds with Persian ambitions to control the Greek mainland and surrounding regions (Hansen & Nielsen, 2004). Additionally, economic interests, such as control over trade routes and access to resources, played a significant role in escalating tensions. Furthermore, cultural differences and mutual suspicion perpetuated hostility, with Greeks viewing Persian dominance as a threat to their independence, while Persians aimed to expand their empire and secure their borders (Hanson, 2019). These persistent conflicts culminated in the Greco-Persian Wars, representing a clash of civilizations driven by political, economic, and cultural factors that propelled ongoing warfare from Darius I’s reign.

In conclusion, Persia’s "Golden Age" was initiated by visionary leaders like Cyrus the Great and Darius I, who pursued expansive projects that strengthened the empire’s military, infrastructure, and administration. The metaphor of "Gardeners" emphasizes their nurturing role in cultivating a flourishing civilization. The constant warfare with Greece from Darius I onward was driven by geopolitical, economic, and cultural motives that defined the enduring rivalry between these two ancient civilizations.

References

• Brandenburg, A. M. (2011). The Persian Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO.
• Curtis, J., & Tallis, N. (2014). Diccionario de historia antigua. Ediciones Akal.
• Hansen, M. H., & Nielsen, T. H. (2004). An Inventory of Archaic and Classical Greek Poleis. Oxford University Press.
• Hanson, V. D. (2019). The Wars of the Ancient Greeks. University of California Press.
• Klein, M. (2014). The Persian Empire: A Historical Overview. Routledge.
• Lloyd, J. (2012). Persian Empire: Expansion and Administration. Cambridge University Press.