Silver Siglos - Ancient Persia (Achaemenid Kings), c. 420-375 BC
Time of Xerxes II – Ataxerxes II
Obv: Great King running right, with spear & bow
Rev: Incuse Punch
Sear-G4679v, Carradice 111b
17x14.5mm, 5.54 gm
The Achaemenid Empire also called the First Persian Empire, was an empire based in Western Asia, founded by Cyrus the Great. Ranging at its greatest extent from the Balkans and Eastern Europe proper in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, it was one of the largest empires in history, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers, and was larger than any previous empire in history. It is equally notable for its successful model of a centralised, bureaucratic administration (through satraps under the King of Kings), for building infrastructure such as road systems and a postal system, the use of an official language across its territories, and the development of civil services and a large professional army. The empire's successes inspired similar systems in later empires.
The historical mark of the Achaemenid Empire went far beyond its territorial and military influences and included cultural, social, technological and religious influences as well. Many Athenians adopted Achaemenid customs in their daily lives in a reciprocal cultural exchange, some being employed by or allied to the Persian kings. The impact of Cyrus's edict is mentioned in Judeo-Christian texts, and the empire was instrumental in the spread of Zoroastrianismas far east as China. The empire also set the tone for the politics, heritage and history of modern Iran.
