The Persian Empires were a series of powerful states that ruled over vast territories in ancient Iran and beyond. The most famous of these was the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. This empire stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indus River, known for its impressive administration and respect for local customs. Later, the Sassanian Empire emerged, continuing the legacy of Persian culture and influence until the 7th century CE. Both empires contributed significantly to art, architecture, and governance, leaving a lasting impact on the regions they controlled and shaping the history of Western Asia.