Ancient Persia: Daily Life Under

King Darius

Government and Social Structure

Lifestyle of the Wealthy

• Mothers cared for sons until they are 5 years old, then they were cared for by their father

• Boys learned to ride horses and shoot with a bow and arrow

• Some boys learned to read and write

• Lying is the worst offense

Lifestyle of the Wealthy

• Girls learned to spin thread, weave cloth and to play instruments

• Some girls were also taught to ride horses and shoot with a bow and arrow

• Both noble men and women could own property

Lifestyle of the Poor

• Majority of the people in the Persian Empire were poor

• Normally did not go to school

• Men had to serve in military when needed

• Paid taxes to the king

• Grew crops and raised animals for the satrapy

Entertainment in Ancient Persia

• Music

• Dancing

• Story telling

• Games

• Archery competitions (wealthy)

• Feasting (wealthy)

• Hunting (wealthy)Flutes made from the bones of birds

Crops of Ancient Persia

• Barley (main crop)

• Lentils

• Beans

• Peas

• Lettuce

• Figs

• Grapes

• Sesame seed (oil)

• Flax

• Cotton (for cloth) Barley carved into clay

Livestock of Ancient Persia

• Shepherds and herders raised animals

• Cattle

• Sheep

• Goats

Sheep carved into stone

Satraps and Satrapy

• Persian empire was divided into 20 sections called satrapy

• Made controlling the empire easier

• Each satrapy was ruled by a satrap (nobleman) appointed by King Darius

• Maintained order

• Satraps reported to King Darius• Sent taxes to the king

• Sent men when needed for military

• Passed along messages from the king to the people

Benefits of Living in the Persian Empire

•Protection• Royal road was guarded – safer for trade and travel• Strong military

•Each Satrapy could keep their own….

• Religion

• Language

• Customs/traditions

• Laws/justice system

Requirements under King Darius

• Agree that Darius is King of Kings

• Pay taxes to King Darius• For building projects

• For military campaigns

• Send men to serve in the large Persian military

• Defend/Expand the empire

• Protect the royal road Gifts being brought to King Darius