Achaemenid period (546–327 BC) thumb|upright=0.5|left|Sogdian soldier circa 338 BCE, tomb of Artaxerxes III. Achaemenid ruler Cyrus the Great conquered Sogdiana while campaigning in Central Asia in 546–539 BC,Kirill Nourzhanov, Christian Bleuer (2013), Tajikistan: a Political and Social History, Canberra: Australian National University Press, p. 12, . a fact mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in his Histories.Antoine Simonin. (8 January 2012). "Sogdiana." World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 31 August 2016. Darius I introduced the Aramaic writing system and coin currency to Central Asia, in addition to incorporating Sogdians into his standing army as regular soldiers and cavalrymen. Sogdia was also listed on the Behistun Inscription of Darius.Mark J. Dresden (1981), "Introductory Note", in Guitty Azarpay, Sogdian Painting: the Pictorial Epic in Oriental Art, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, pp 2–3, . A contingent of Sogdian soldiers fought in the main army of Xerxes I during his second, ultimately-failed invasion of Greece in 480 BC.Mark J. Dresden (1981), "Introductory Note", in Guitty Azarpay, Sogdian Painting: the Pictorial Epic in Oriental Art, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, p. 3, . A Persian inscription from Susa claims that the palace there was adorned with lapis lazuli and carnelian originating from Sogdiana.
Achaemenid period (546–327 BC) thumb|upright=05|left|Sogdian soldier circa 338 BCE tomb of Artaxerxes III Achaemenid ruler Cyrus the Great conquered Sogdiana while campaigning in Central Asia in 546–539 BCKirill Nourzhanov Christian Bleuer (2013) Tajikistan a Political and Social History Canberra Australian National University Press p 12  a fact mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus in his HistoriesAntoine Simonin (8 January 2012) "Sogdiana" World History Encyclopedia Retrieved 31 August 2016 Darius I introduced the Aramaic writing system and coin currency to Central Asia in addition to incorporating Sogdians into his standing army as regular soldiers and cavalrymen Sogdia was also listed on the Behistun Inscription of DariusMark J Dresden (1981) "Introductory Note" in Guitty Azarpay Sogdian Painting the Pictorial Epic in Oriental Art Berkeley Los Angeles London University of California Press pp 2–3  A contingent of Sogdian soldiers fought in the main army of Xerxes I during his second ultimately-failed invasion of Greece in 480 BCMark J Dresden (1981) "Introductory Note" in Guitty Azarpay Sogdian Painting the Pictorial Epic in Oriental Art Berkeley Los Angeles London University of California Press p 3  A Persian inscription from Susa claims that the palace there was adorned with lapis lazuli and carnelian originating from Sogdiana