Ancient Persia, known for its vast empire, was located in what is now Iran. It emerged around the 6th century BCE under the rule of Cyrus the Great, who united various tribes and established the Achaemenid Empire. This empire became one of the largest in history, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River. The Persians are renowned for their advancements in administration, architecture, and culture. They built impressive structures like the Persepolis and developed a system of roads that facilitated trade and communication. The empire also promoted tolerance of different cultures and religions, contributing to its stability and success.