Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus II, is credited with establishing the Persian Empire in the 6th century BCE.

Xerxes I, the son of Darius I, commanded the Persian forces during the invasion of Greece in 480 BCE.

Persepolis served as the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty.

Darius I implemented significant administrative reforms and oversaw the construction of the Royal Road, a vital communication network.

The Persian Empire was divided into administrative units called satrapies, each governed by a satrap who was responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order.

Cambyses II, the son of Cyrus the Great, led the conquest of Egypt in 525 BCE.

The Avesta is the sacred text of Zoroastrianism, the religion practiced by many Persians during the Achaemenid period.

Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, is credited with the construction of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Artemisia I, the queen of Caria, led the Persian fleet to victory at the Battle of Salamis.

Darius I conducted extensive military campaigns, including against the Scythians and the Greeks.

Lydia was a Persian province that encompassed the region of modern-day Turkey.

Cyrus the Great is renowned for his policy of religious tolerance and his respect for the customs of conquered peoples.

Bactria was a Persian province that encompassed the region of modern-day Afghanistan.

Darius I launched an unsuccessful invasion of Greece in 490 BCE, which culminated in the Battle of Marathon.

Sindh was a Persian province that encompassed the region of modern-day Pakistan.