Engineering an Empire Questions

Engineering an Empire: Persia

1. What is the order of Persian leaders?

Cyrus the Great, Darius the Great, Xerxes

2. What is a qanat?  How does it work?
   A system of underground canals. Vertical shafts were dug down from the surface, and the tunnel was excavated for a short distance. Then another vertical shaft, and the channel continued to the lake. The angle of the slope was crucial- not too steep, not too flat. This prevented loss of water due to evaporation.

3. What is Cyrus’ tomb like?
   Chose to be buried in Pasagar. The tomb is relatively unadorned. It is very simple and elegant. It had large, rectangular cut stones. It was 36 feet. It is remarkably well preserved. 

4. What interaction does Cyrus have with the Jews?
   Recognized and tolerated different beliefs. He freed the Jews from Babylon in captivity. Cyrus was later refered to in the Bible as the "messiah"

5. What did Darius build?
   A massive stone highway. This would weave the empire together from North Africa to India. It is called the "Royal Road". It helped keep carts and feet out of being stuck in the mud.