The Persian Empire was one of the largest empires in world history. Spanning over three centuries, from 550 to 330 BC, the Persian Empire was a significant cultural and linguistic force in the Ancient world. The empire reached its greatest extent under Darius I, Alexander the Great, and their successors. However, after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the empire broke up into various Hellenistic kingdoms. The Persian Empire is also noteworthy for its extensive art and architecture, especially in Central and Eastern Asia.