The Persian Golden Age: When Iran's golden age begins
Cyrus the Great. N.d. Photograph. Karenswhimsy. Yahoo, 2012. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
The Persian Empire, located along the Zagros Mountain ranges, in modern day Iran, was probably the most rapid developing nation around the capital city of Persepolis near the Persian Gulf. Many historians have shown a discrepancy between Cyrus and Darius I for whom should be considered as a leader of the Persian golden age; however, Cyrus’ extensive achievements in the Persian Empire clearly show that he was the taper pin leading Persia to its prosperity. Before 558 BC, Persians were dominated or rather domesticated by the Medes, the ruling ethnic group within Persian region who have risen to the predominance status after the destruction of the Assyrian Empire (Bulliet). After overthrowing the Median government with the aid of various Persian tribes and a Median princess, Cyrus executed successful social reformation through establishing a hierarchy, which consisted of three classes, peasants, warriors and priests, and military campaigns redrawing borders of west Asia conquering nations such as Lydia and Babylon (FUNK and WALGNALLS). Because his reformations ultimately helped build stability in the Persian Empire, he allowed Persia to prosper. Thus, Cyrus’s two most important decisions later helped establish a Persian golden age, which firmly settled social order and extended its influence over Asia minor where the wealth was generated through Mediterranean trade route.