Ep 31. The Persian Empire, Part 1
- TV-G
- January 31, 2009
- 11 min
Kid’s Animated History with Pipo is an educational and entertaining show designed for kids to learn about historical events and civilizations in an engaging way. Season 1 Episode 31, entitled The Persian Empire Part 1, takes young viewers on a journey through the fascinating world of ancient Persia.
The episode begins with our host, Pipo, introducing the Persian Empire, one of the most significant empires in history, spanning from the 6th to the 4th century BCE. Pipo tells us that the empire spread across three continents and was powerful enough to be a significant threat to the Greeks.
We are then taken to the heart of the Persian Empire, the city of Persepolis. Pipo explains that the city was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire built by the great king, Darius I. Through the use of beautiful animation, we are shown the grandeur of this city and learn about its importance in Persian culture.
The scene then shifts to a battle between the Persian and Greek armies, where we learn about the fierce rivalry between the two powers. We see how Persian warriors were able to use their superior archery skills to gain an advantage, and how they employed tactics such as the use of war elephants to strike fear into their enemies.
Next, we are introduced to Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. We learn about his life and the conquests that allowed him to build a vast empire. Through an engaging animation of his battles, kids get to see how Cyrus the Great was not only a skilled warrior but also a master diplomat, who showed respect for the cultures of those he conquered.
As the episode progresses, we learn about the formation and organization of the Persian Empire. We see how the empire was divided into provinces, each with its own governor. We also learn about the role of the satrap, a powerful ruler appointed by the king to oversee the provinces' governance and protect the Persian Empire.
At this point, Pipo introduces the Zoroastrian religion, which was practised by the Persians. We learn about the importance of fire and how it played a central role in their religious ceremonies. We also find out about the prophet Zoroaster, who founded the religion, and the fundamental beliefs that informed the Persian Way of Life.
Finally, as the episode draws to a close, Pipo tells us about the downfall of the Persian Empire. We hear about how the empire's size and complexity made it difficult to maintain, and how internal strife and aggression from neighboring powers began to weaken the empire. Through the use of animation, we get to see the fall of Babylon and learn about King Cyrus's death. It is hinted that part two of the episode will cover the rise of Alexander the Great and the ultimate fall of the Persian Empire.
In summary, The Persian Empire Part 1 is an informative and engaging episode of Kid's Animated History with Pipo. Through the use of beautiful animated visuals and engaging storytelling, kids get to learn about the rise of the Persian Empire, the culture and beliefs of its people, and the reasons for its eventual decline. The episode is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to teach history in an engaging and accessible way.