This applique originated in Iran and estimated to have been produced in the 6th – 4th century BC. This source represents the wealth of the king, who would have worn this applique. We also know that similar appliques could have been used for trade purposes due to its near solid gold material. Often these were traded for goods, products, and services. However, we do not specifically know its purpose.
Daric with king
This Persian Daric represented half of the bimetallic monetary system used in the Achaemenid Persian Empire. These coins often displayed an image of the king on them, or a great warrior armed with a bow and arrow. Darics were often used for trading as they were recognised as a valid currency all over the empire. This source displays how Darius wished to be portrayed but fails to tell how the public perceived him.
Contract for field in exchange of apples
This clay tablet, inscribed in cuneiform holds a contract from 455BC for apples as the rent of a field. The Persian Empire often used products as a form of trade and procured much of its wealth this way. It is within reason to assume that the field would be used for producing apples, due to the repayment method. One limitation of this source is the damage on the right side where the clay has eroded and could hold valuable information.
Contract for the lease of a house
This commercial contract inscribed on a clay tablet outlines the terms for a lease of a house in 517 BC, Babylon. Often soldiers were allotted land to support themselves and their families by either farming it themselves or leasing it. Often these types of contracts were used in these situations. Either of these options ensures either more money or crops circulating the economy. This source gives valuable information on how contracts were used in the Achaemenid period.
Contract regarding the exchange of fields
It was common for kings to display wealth through lavish parties. This limestone carving shows servants carrying food and drink to a royal feast, dated 385 – 338 BC. Pieces like this commemorate the riches of the king and emphasise the power they held over the economy. Due to their power over the satraps who set the taxes. This source does not show the direct influence of the economy but hints at the kings influence.
Coin Portrait of Pharnabazus, Satrap of Ionia
This coin from 478-387 BCE displays a portrait of satrap, Pharnabazus. The satraps were governors for provinces in the Persian Empire. They lived in luxury, with their own palaces so long as they satisfied the king. They played a crucial role in the economy, as one of their roles was that they were required to levy and collect taxes. Whilst this source shows the satrap to be important, it doesn’t show that satraps had usually unfavourable connotations of corruption.
Fluted bowl
This Iranian bowl was a piece of an Achaemenid tradition where a golden bowl was given as a royal gift. Although it appears that they were also prized and traded based solely on the weight of the precious metals they were constructed from. This bowl was dated back to the 6th – 5th century during the times of Darius I and Cyrus. Thanks to sources similar to this, the Achaemenid period is well documented by accurate archaeological remains.
Two servants bearing food and drink
It was common for kings to display wealth through lavish parties. This limestone carving shows servants carrying food and drink to a royal feast, dated 385 – 338 BC. Pieces like this commemorate the riches of the king and emphasise the power they held over the economy. Due to their power over the satraps who set the taxes. This source does not show the direct influence of the economy but hints at the kings influence.
Receipt for a horse
This clay tablet is a late Babylonian receipt for the purchase of a horse, dated 516 BC. These types of receipts were often used to document any trade, this ensured that any financial trade was documented for future reference in case of a dispute. This source provides a valuable example of how trading was tracked in this economy. One limit of this source is the damage on the right side where it appears the stone has been worn away, meaning there may be valuable information missing.
Gold earring
This early 4th century BC gold earring has great significance to the Persian Empire. Often it would be used to display wealth in the empire, or gold would be used to trade or pay employees. Gold was often used to trade but due to the hollow nature of the earring it would be used to show-off wealth, influence, and importance.
