Historical figures in Persian history

Persian history features influential figures such as Cyrus the Great, who founded the Achaemenid Empire and promoted tolerance and fair governance; Darius the Great, who expanded the empire and improved administration; and Xerxes I, known for his massive invasion of Greece. Later figures include Ferdowsi, the poet who preserved Persian culture through the epic "Shahnameh," and Reza Shah Pahlavi, who modernized Iran in the 20th century. These individuals shaped Persia’s political, cultural, and social identity, leaving lasting legacies that influence the region today.