Persia and Greece

A comparison between the Achaemenid Imperial Dynasty of Persia and the Polesis of Greece

The people living in Persia and Greece developed very different worldviews.  The following elements will be used as the basis of comparisons in order to understand how these opposing outlooks developed.

• Geography: How did the geographical and environmental settings impact developments in Persia and Greece?
• Government: How did the different forms of leadership that developed in Persia and Greece altered their worldviews?  
• Cities: How did the different uses of urban space between Persia and Greece reflect the points-of-view of the people living in Persia and Greece?    
• Religion: How did the religions of Persia and Greece influence the outlooks of the people living there?
• Views on Foreigners: How did perspectives on outsiders in Persia and Greece impact their treatment?

Achaemenid and Ancient Greece Comparison Chart

A Brief Summary of Persian and Greek Differences 

Persia-Greece Comparison Chart

Persia

• Central Civilization/Land-based
  
• Divine Kingship Tradition
  
• Imperial Capitals 
  
• Agro-Pastoral Base
  
• Tax/Tribute System

Basis of Comparision

• Geography
• Government
• Cities
• Economy
• Government Revenue 

Greece

• Eastern Mediterranean/Sea-based
  
• Separate Polities
  
• Individual Poleis
  
• Mercantile/Trade Base
  
• Monetary System 

Greco-Persian Wars 

Eventually, the differences between the Persians and Greeks became so great that they led to armed conflict.

 For this assignment, refer to the following Task Sheet

Image Source: Wikipedia

Events leading up to the Persian Wars