Achaemenid Empire (previous Persian empire)

The Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, was a vast and diverse empire that existed from approximately 550 to 330 BCE. Founded by Cyrus the Great, it stretched from the Balkans and Egypt in the west to India in the east. The empire was marked by sophisticated administration, infrastructure like roads and a postal system, and respect for different cultures and religions. It established a unified rule across numerous peoples, influencing future civilizations through innovations in governance and diplomacy. The empire ended when Alexander the Great conquered Persia, but its legacy persisted in governance and culture.