Engineering an Empire: Persia Questions

1. What is the order of Persian leaders?
The order of Persian leaders is Cyrus the Great, then Darius 1.

2. What is a qanat?  How does it work?
Qanat is a gently sloping underground channel or tunnel which is constructed to lead water from the interior of a hill to a village below.  A vertical canal is created until it reaches nearby water then another one of the vertical lines is created.  Also, horizontal canals are created to connect the vertical lines to the horizontal lines. These horizontal lines are slightly tilted while helps the water to flow continuously for long distances.

3. What is Cyrus’ tomb like?
Cyrus's tomb was in the city that he built. His tomb was built on stacks of huge stones. The tomb was simple and elegant. It a modest monument for someone who was so great.

4. What interaction does Cyrus have with the Jews?
Cyrus the Great had freed the Jews from Babylon. Historians believed that he did this in order to create a buffer state which was used to protect his empire. He was greatly respected among the Jewish people and referred him as a messiah.

5. What did Darius build?
Darius builds a massive stone highway which extends to India. This construction was called the Royal Road, which stretched for over a thousand miles.  The  pathway consisted of many rest stations and soldiers periodically along the road which were there to ensure the comfort and safety of travelers. This was a huge advancement in technology because the stones could not be washed away like dirt did.