Yes, the Persian Empire existed before the Roman Empire. The first Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE and reached its height in the 5th century BCE. In contrast, the Roman Empire began as a republic in the 6th century BCE but transitioned into an empire much later, around 27 BCE, when Augustus became the first emperor. Therefore, the Persian Empire predates the Roman Empire by several centuries.
The Persian Empire was one of the largest empires in ancient history, renowned for its architectural achievements, administrative innovations, and cultural diversity. It encompassed vast regions, influencing many neighboring cultures. The Roman Empire, which followed, was known for its own profound impact on law, governance, engineering, and military strategy, among other areas. The two empires coexisted for a time, especially during the height of the Roman Empire, when it had interactions with the remnants of Persian influence.