Social Hierarchy (1)
- Kings, priest, aristocracy, military, traders, craftsmen, peasants and slaves
- Slaves were present in the society and was captured from other conquered civilization that refused to behave or because they broke the law
- Their social status were shown through their clothing
- Their hats were also an indicator (Kiana Crown and Turban)
- They had a very unique fashion
- Monarch used a different perfume
- The king and the royal family was the highest power holder
- King was at the top then the royal family
- Most of the royal family are related to the king by blood but some kids were adopted
“King of Kings”
- Cyrus the Great created the Achaemenid dynasty
- He and Persian emperors gave themselves the title King of Kings
- Lived in great splendour, absolute power
- Reigned above the lesser kings
- Ruled with his queen, queen of queens
Priests
- Priests are authorized to perform any spiritual
- Agents between one or many deities
- They also have the power to question or interfere with the king decisions (This is why they are ranked 2nd highest)
- Their orders were considered holy because they were the ones who have positive contacts with the deities of Persia
Aristocracy
- Famous citizens, advisors to the king
- Guided the king efficiently to smoothly run the empire
Military
- Being part of the military were considered honorable in Persia
- These people and their families were provided with special benefits and was honored by the Persian government
Traders
- Business people who trade commodities that were produced by other and earned profit
- They enjoyed benefits and rights
Craftsmen
- Skilled manual workers who specialized in making functional and decorative art pieces
- Furniture, household items, etc
- Jewellery with multicoloured pieces of stone, glass, etc.
Peasants/Farmer
- Belonged in traditional class farmer
- Labourers are owners of small farms
Slaves
- Lowest level of people
- Forced to lead a miserable life
- Possessed zero rights and less privileges
- Changing class was not possible
Women
- Immense respect
- Considered women equal to men
- Many important roles held by woman
- Woman can also be king under circumstances
- Not dependent on the society or their spouse.
Activities
- which create order and unity?
- -the Persian new year Nowruz
- -it is a month long celebration (2)
- - even though being celebrated now ,losing most of its religious significance
- -it is celebrated today by persian an iranian people alike
- -it was celebrate to mark the spring equinox
- -Commoners spent the morning reflecting in prayer, then visit their friends and family
- -During this time, bonfires were lit, people leaped over for good health for the coming year (3)
- -Great Nowruz = Zoroaster Birthday
- -They took sports seriously, as a way to train them physically and to prepare for survival
The Book of Kings (4)
- Collection of ancient myths and legends
- 7 times as long as the Iliad
- Consider national treasure
- Important source of history
- The stories were about the charismatic monarchy
- Theme: Loyalty
The Society
- The Society was inspired by the Zoroastrian concept of good thoughts, words, deeds
- Conversations were art, interrupting another is impolite, etc (5)
- They had ten demons, enemies of good life : greed, excessive needs, envy, disgrace, revenge, anger, slander, insincerity, lack of knowledge of religion and ingratitude (6)
- They respected the truth
- Lying was considered an ultimate disgrace, violent crime
- High moral standards
- Great inspiration from the truth
- Disgrace to Ahura Mazda
- Evidence of this ethic code: Behistun Inscription
School
- At home, trade secrets were passed down through generations
- Traditionally, peasants were illiterate, urban merchants had basic knowledge of the language
- A formal school system was created
- 3 types, Place of Education, School for training scribes and secretary, school for religious studies
- Popular subjects were reading, writing, grammar, mathematics and astronomy (7)
- Available for everyone
- In return, they should be in service for the empire
- Free thinking was encouraged
- Mainly for male but some woman started to attend school (8)
- Constructed around Zoroastrianism
- Elite: Taught ethics, military tactics, truth telling until 14 where they were tutored in the worship of the gods, government, temperance, and courage (9)
- Nobles were taught music, art, flowers, women, ceremonial rites, conduct on festive occasions, speech making
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