033 - The "Great King" Darius

In this episode, we discuss the ascension of Darius to the Persian throne; his consolidation of the empire and eastern campaigns; Zoroastrianism and the role Ahura-Mazda played in his reign; and his reform program, with a special focus on his creation of a new script (Old Persian), his new capital of Persepolis, his bureaucratic satrapies, the Royal Road, his "sort of" Red Sea/Nile River canal, and the creation of and influence of the gold "Daric"

• Video/Zoroastrianism

Video/The Religion that Shaped Ancient Iran

Video/Why were the Iranian Empires so Successful?

• Photo/Darius as Egyptian Pharaoh at Temple of Hibis

• Photo/Archaeological Plan of Persepolis

• Photo/Aerial View of Ruins at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis

• Photo/Lamassu at the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis

• Photo/Lamassu at the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis

• Photo/The Great Double Staircase at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Apadana at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Apadana at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Apadana Columns at Persepolis

• Photo/Eastern Stairway of Apadana at Persepolis

• Photo/Reliefs on Stairway of Apadana at Persepolis of Delegations Bringing Tribute

• Video/Bull Capital from Apadana at Susa (now at the Louvre in Paris)

• Photo/Bull Capital from Apadana at Susa (now at the Louvre in Paris)

• Photo/Ruins of the Tachara at Persepolis

• Photo/Ruins of the Tachara at Persepolis

• Photo/Relief of Darius and Xerxes (National Museum of Iran)

• Photo/Relief of Darius at Persepolis

• Photo/Archer's Frieze at Darius' Palace in Susa

• Photo/Gold "Daric" Coin

• Map/The Achaemenid Empire

• Map/Eastern Border of the Persian Empire

• Photo/Tomb of Darius the Great at Persepolis

Recommended Podcast Episodes for Further Listening:
Wonders of the World Episode 20 The Staircases of Persepolis