Above map illustrates the realm of the Achaemenian
dynasty. Click image to enlarge.
The Achaemenian
dynasty was a royal family that ruled over
Persia and, beginning with
Cyrus
the Great, also over
Media.
PRONOUNCE ACHAEMENIAN
The Achaemenian dynasty was
named after Achaemenes. Some also call it the
Achaemenid dynasty.
In the Persian
language, Achaemenes's name is Hakhamanish.
Achaemenes lived sometime during the 7th
century B.C.
Who Was the Founder of
the Achaemenian Dynasty?
Interestingly, historians don't care too
much about Achaemenes himself and rather point to the year 559 B.C.
as the beginning of the Achaemenian dynasty. Why is that?
Darius III
- son of Arsames, son of Ostanes, son of Darius II Ochus
? - 330 BC
336 - 330 BC
The Capitals of the Achaemenian Rulers
Pasargadae, Persepolis, and
Susa (some spell it
Shushan) were the capitals of the
Persian Empire.
You can find these cities on
this
map.
Why so many capitals?
Pasargadae was the first capital. Later, Darius I, Xerxes I, and
others built the new capital at Persepolis, which was close to
Pasargadae.
Darius I built an impressive palace at Susa, which
became eventually the capital.
PRONOUNCE ACHAEMENIAN
