The Persian Empire is the name given to a series of dynasties centered in modern-day Iran that spanned several centuries—from the sixth century B.C. to the 20th century A.D.

The Iranian empire began in the Iron Age with the rise of the Medes, who unified Iran as a nation and empire in 625 BC. [ 16 ] The Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), founded by Cyrus the Great, was the largest empire the world had seen, spanning from the Balkans to North Africa and Central Asia.

The empires of ancient Persia were the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE), the Parthian Empire (247 BCE-224 CE), and the Sassanian Empire (224-651 CE). Between the Achaemenid and Parthian empire was the reign of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire (312-63 BCE).

The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, lasted from approximately 559 B.C.E. to 331 B.C.E. At its height, it encompassed the areas of modern-day Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A list of Persian dynasties is provided in the table. 1 Dates from the death of Darius III, the last Achaemenian king, and the invasion of Alexander the Great. 2 Dates from the year in which the Parnian chief Arsaces first battled the Seleucids. 3 Includes the Tahirid, Samanid, Ghaznavid, and Buyid dynasties.

Ancient Iran, historic region of southwestern Asia that is only roughly coterminous with modern Iran. The term Persia was used for centuries, chiefly in the West, to designate those regions where Persian language and culture predominated, but it more correctly refers to a region of southern Iran.

The Achaemenid Empire, also known as the first Persian Empire or Medo-Persian Empire was a major ancient civilization that was based in modern day Iran around 600 BC.

Learn about the rise, zenith, and fall of the Persian Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires in ancient history. Explore its rulers, wars, culture, legacy, and more with this comprehensive timeline.

Explore the Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 B.C. Discover its diverse culture, religious tolerance, scientific advancements, and artistic expressions.