The Achaemenid Empire - or First Persian Empire - was an empire based in Western Asia, founded by Cyrus the Great. Ranging at its greatest extent from the Balkans and Eastern Europe proper in the west to the Indus Valley in the east, it was larger than any previous empire in history, spanning 5.5 million square kilometers.
It is noted in Western history as the antagonist of the Greek city-states during the Greco-Persian Wars and for the emancipation of the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The historical mark of the empire went far beyond its territorial and military influences and included cultural, social, technological and religious influences as well.
Alexander the Great, an avid admirer of Cyrus the Great, conquered most of the empire by 330 BC. Upon Alexander's death, most of the empire's former territory came under the rule of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Seleucid Empire, in addition to other minor territories which gained independence at that time.
It is noted in Western history as the antagonist of the Greek city-states during the Greco-Persian Wars and for the emancipation of the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The historical mark of the empire went far beyond its territorial and military influences and included cultural, social, technological and religious influences as well.
Alexander the Great, an avid admirer of Cyrus the Great, conquered most of the empire by 330 BC. Upon Alexander's death, most of the empire's former territory came under the rule of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Seleucid Empire, in addition to other minor territories which gained independence at that time.
(1)
Achaemenid Empire
Obverse: hero or king holding bow and dagger right
Reverse: incuse square; crescent countermark
Diameter:
15 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 5.15 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 5.15 g
times of Artaxerxes I and Dareios II
Carradice type IV (early) A
(2)
Achaemenid Empire
Obverse: Great King right bearded and crowned kneeling-running, drawing bow, quiver at shoulder
Reverse: incuse square
Diameter:
14.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 5.3 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 5.3 g
No notes for this coin
Carradice type II: Carradice plate XI, 11 - 13; BMC Arabia p. 173, 185 ff.; SGCV II 3428; Klein 754; Noe Sigloi pl. XIII, 215 ff.; Carradice NC 1998 pl. 3, 58 ff; Asyut Hoard 714; Winzer 1.6; Sunrise 21. Common. 73935