Darius I the Great

Darius I seizes power - kills false Bardiya, reorganizes empire into satrapies

Darius I proclaims Ahura Mazda support - Zoroastrianism becomes official Achaemenid religion

Behistun Inscription carved - Darius proclaims legitimacy in three languages, key to deciphering cuneiform

Darius begins Persepolis construction - ceremonial capital, architectural masterpiece

Death of Darius I - Xerxes inherits empire at its peak, plans Greek invasion