University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas: Persian Empire About 500 Bc
Follow the Royal Highway of Darius I on this old map of the Persian Empire from University of Texas. The borders of the satrapies are shown also.
University of Chicago
Oriental Institute: The Persian Gallery
Read about the Persian Empire and the people that live there. Includes photos of artifacts.
BBC
Bbc: The Safavid Empire
The BBC surveys the history of the Persian Safavid Empire (1501-1722) in what is now modern Iran. Founded by the Sufi Brotherhood, it adopted the Shi'a version of Islam and the cause of the hidden Imam, which still influences the...
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness: Alexander Defeats the Persians, 331 Bc
This article provides a general overview of Alexander's conquering of Persia in 331 B.C. Read the account of the Battle of Gaugamela written in the 2nd century AD but based on contemporary sources.
Other
The Achaemenians
Read about the various kings of the Persian Empire and the battles they created to strengthen their empire.
PBS
Pbs Frontline: The Book of Daniel
PBS provides an intellectual discussion about the main theme of the book of Daniel - the end of time - from Frontline.
Other
1st Muse: Alexander in Mesopotamia
A discussion from 1st Muse which details the battles and events which led to Alexander's conquest of the Persian Empire with illustrations and links to related material.
Other
Iransaga: Persian Calligraphy
Follow the development of Persian calligraphy on this interesting site. There are many hyperlinks to historical subjects in the Persian empire.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Ancient Mesopotamia: Persian Empire for Kids
Kids learn about the history of the First Persian Empire. Also known as the Achaemenid Empire, they ruled the Middle East before the Greeks arrived.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Achaemenid Empire
Encyclopedia entry on the Achaemenid or early Persian Empire. Page contains maps, photos, quotes, video and bibliography.
Other
Iranologie: Medes, the First Iranian Kingdom
Read about the early history of the Persian empire. The Medes' consolidation power, the economy, and religion of the people are all discussed.
Other
Encyclopedia of the Orient: Zoroastrianism
Learn specifics about Zoroastrianism, the non-pantheistic religion of the Persian Empire.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Persepolis: The Audience Hall of Darius and Xerxes
Famous for monumental architecture, Persian kings established numerous monumental centers. This article looks at one of those centers: Persepolis. Read about the history and view pictures of the architecture, art, and sculptures of...
Other
Alexander the Great, Synopsys
Follow Alexander the Great as he builds a tremendous empire, significantly changing and improving geography and history.
Mb Soft
Believe: Zoroastrianism: General Information
Article with general information about Zoroastrian philosophies, growth, and legacy of this religion which dates back to the Persian Empire.
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Bactria
Illustrated encyclopedia entry defines and explores the history of Bactria, a province of the Persian Empire.
Other
Visulistan: Mapping the Empires of History #Infographic
This infographic maps the empires of history including the British Empire, the Mongol Empire, the Russian Empire, the Spanish Empire, the Umayyad Caliphate, the Portuguese Empire, the Achaemenid Empire (First Persian Empire), the Ottoman...
Forum Romanum
Outlines of Roman History: Decline of the Empire: Disintegration of Empire
This article from Morey's 1901 textbook recounts the attacks on the Roman Empire by the Sassinids from the east and the Germanic barbarians from the north.
Other
Art Arena: The Medes
Brief description of the Medes who settled in part of what became Persia and later Iran.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: Alexander the Great
Explore the life of Alexander the Great and his Empire.
Other
An Overview of Zoroastrianism
Here is an overview of Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of the Persian Empire. Learn about the religion and its implementation.
PBS
Pbs: Background to the Greek Colonies of Turkey
Discusses the ancient Greek colonies of Ionia and their troubled relationship with the nearby Persian government.
PBS
The Battle of Plataea
Background and description of the Battle of Plataea. Does a good job of discussing the different versions of the battle presented by historians.
A&E Television
History.com: Ancient Egypt
For almost 30 centuries -- from its unification around 3100 B.C. to its conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. -- ancient Egypt was the preeminent civilization in the Mediterranean world. From the great pyramids of the Old Kingdom...