The book investigates the pre-Islamic Iranian culture that developed between the 5th millennium BC and the 7th century AD in the immense territory extending from the Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia. This chronological overview illustrates the key aspects of this civilization, from the prehistoric era to its development and the establishment of its empires. It examines the Achaemenids, who continued the empire created by the Babylonians and Assyrians, the Seleucids, who revived the Achaemenid political and cultural cosmopolitanism destroyed by Alexander the Great, and the Parthians and Sassanids, who transformed the empire into the greatest crossroads of religion, civilization, language and trade between East and West. This historical journey is supplemented by detailed considerations of the arts, religions, traditions and customs of the ancient populations of the Iranian plateau who, despite the constant pressure they faced, managed to maintain a cultural unity that has endured into modern times. The book, which is based on the latest scientific research, is written for the general public in a narrative that combines a clear style with scientific accuracy. The historical tableau that emerges conveys the complexity of a world that fascinated all the cultures that came into contact with it, from those in the Far East to the European populations. At the same time, it offers significant insights that will help readers understand what is happening today in a cultural and geographical area that, unfortunately, the West continues to observe with hesitant admiration. AUTHOR: Anna Vanzan, a specialist in Iranian and Islamic studies, graduated from the University of Venice with a degree in Oriental Languages, earning her Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from New York University. Her research focuses mainly on the world of Persianized culture (Iran, Central Asia and Islamic India), paying special attention to the cultural history of these areas, where she has conducted research studies. She has published numerous essays in Italian and international magazines, and her most recent book, La storia velata, donne dell'Islam nell'immaginario italiano (Edizioni Lavoro, Rome 2006), was awarded the Feudo di Maida Prize in 2006. She has taught courses on Islamic civilization at Italian and foreign universities, and currently teaches at IULM University in Milan. Vanzan is executive editor of Afriche&Orienti magazine and contributes to Italian and foreign publications and radio programs. Illustrated throughout

This book explores the representation of Persian monarchy and the court of the Achaemenid Great Kings from the point of view of the ancient Iranians themselves and through the sometimes distorted prism of Classical authors.

Now in paperback, this is a history of an incomparable culture whose influence can still be seen, millennia later, in modern-day Iran and the wider Middle East. During the first and second millennia BCE a swathe of nomadic peoples migrated outward from Central Asia into the Eurasian periphery. One group of these people would find themselves encamped in an unpromising, arid region just south of the Caspian Sea. From these modest and uncertain beginnings, they would go on to form one of the most powerful empires in history: the Persian Empire. In this book, Geoffrey and Brenda Parker tell the captivating story of this ancient civilization and its enduring legacy to the world. The authors examine the unique features of Persian life and trace their influence throughout the centuries. They examine the environmental difficulties the early Persians encountered and how, in overcoming them, they were able to develop a unique culture that would culminate in the massive, first empire, the Achaemenid Empire. Extending their influence into the maritime west, they fought the Greeks for mastery of the eastern Mediterranean—one of the most significant geopolitical contests of the ancient world. And the authors paint vivid portraits of Persian cities and their spectacular achievements: intricate and far-reaching roadways, an astonishing irrigation system that created desert paradises, and, above all, an extraordinary reflection of the diverse peoples that inhabited them.

An innovative approach to the history of the First Persian Empire, offering an accessible historical narrative for students and general readers alike A History of the Achaemenid Empire considers archaeological and written sources to provide an expansive, source-based introduction to the diverse and culturally rich world of ancient Achaemenid Persia. Assuming no prior background, this accessible textbook follows the dynastic line from the establishment and expansion of the empire under the early Achaemenid kings to its collapse in 330 BCE. The text integrates the latest research, key primary sources, and archaeological data to offer readers deep insights into the empire, its kings, and its people. Chronologically organized chapters contain written, archaeological, and visual sources that highlight key learning points, stimulate discussion, and encourage readers to evaluate specific pieces of evidence. Throughout the text, author Maria Brosius emphasizes the necessity to critically assess Greek sources—highlighting how their narrative of Achaemenid political historyoften depicted stereotypical images of the Persians rather than historical reality. Topics include the establishment of empire under Cyrus the Great, Greek-Persian relations, the creation of a Persian ruling class, the bureaucracy and operation of the empire, Persian diplomacy and foreign policy, and the reign of Darius III. This innovative textbook: Offers a unique approach to Achaemenid history, considering both archaeological and literary sources Places primary Persian and Near Eastern sources in their cultural, political, and historical context Examines material rarely covered in non-specialist texts, such as royal inscriptions, Aramaic documents, and recent archaeological finds Features a comprehensive introduction to Achaemenid geography, Greek historiography, and modern scholarship on the Persian War Part of the acclaimed Blackwell History of the Ancient Worldseries, A History of the Achaemenid Empire is a perfect primary textbook for courses in Ancient History, Near Eastern Studies, and Classical Civilizations, as well as an invaluable resource for general readers with interest in the history of empires, particularly the first Persian empire or Iranian civilization.