Islamic Timeline of RevelationOpen on the timeline →Iran & Central AsiaAsiaAfricaEuropeMajor empire
Achaemenid Persian Empire
Also known as First Persian Empire
The Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, was the first Persian Empire and ruled from the Balkans and Egypt to the Indus. It was known for its royal roads, satrapies and toleration of local religions; Cyrus allowed exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem. Alexander the Great conquered it between 334 and 330 BCE.
Key facts
| Dates | 550 – 330 BCE |
|---|---|
| Region | Iran & Central Asia |
| Continent | Asia, Africa, Europe |
| Capitals | Pasargadae, Persepolis, Susa, Babylon, Ecbatana |
| Founder | Cyrus the Great |
| Religion(s) | Zoroastrianism |
| Peak extent | ≈ 5.5 million km² (c. 500 BCE) – source |
Before & after
Preceded by
Median Empire Neo-Babylonian Empire Lydia Saite Egypt (Twenty-sixth Dynasty) Elam
Followed by
Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great Kingdom of Armenia Kingdom of Cappadocia
In the Islamic timeline
- Zoroastrianism (al-Majus / Magians) — Achaemenid kings worshipped Ahura Mazda; Zoroastrianism was the main faith of the ruling elite.
- Judaism (Religion of Bani Isra'il) — Cyrus permitted the return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple.
Sources
Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.