The Greeks in Iran: The beginnings of foreign influence
Alexander the Great. N.d. Photograph. Talimos Gallery. 2008. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
Despite Persia’s predominant influence and extension to west Anatolian Plateau, the Greeks were a major threat to the Persian Empire. After many conflicts and defeats of the Battle of Marathon, Persia clearly expressed its moribund vitality. With the rise of Macedonia unifying Greek nations under Alexander the Great, Greece eventually annexed Persia from the battles with Darius the third that had taken place between 335 BC and 331 BC (Untereker). When Macedonia retreated its influence due to Alexander’s death, the Macedonian Empire suffered a long internal struggle among high officials especially among ambitious satraps, the regional governors, who had both political and military influences (Bulliet). Due to establishment of many Hellenistic civilizations, some disparities still exist for whom should be considered as the victor of the long succeeding conflict among historians. The victor, however, was Seleucus the first, the satrap of Babylonia, who established the Seleucid Empire by annexing most of former Persian regions. Seleucid Empire, however, confronted its end similar to former empires by Parthian Empire. Thus, the Persian region was characterized by constant struggles of power. Several empires attempted to control Persia. As a result, it is important to note that the Iranian region saw great influence from diverse cultures and empires since its ancient history.