The World of Achaemenid Persia by John E. Curtis

This book is more than 250 pages and is divided into twelve chapters. I don't know if Persia can be considered a forgotten empire, for if it is not as well-known as ancient Greece or Rome, it is certainly better known than its successor kingdoms of Parthia or the Sassanids, both of which are truly far more obscure kingdoms than ancient Persia, which at least was famous enough to be recorded by Greek (Herodotus) as well as biblical historians (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther). The British museum acquired a large amount of material relating to the Persian Empire and wants people to spend money looking at it, and so despite the fact that Iran has a rather testy relationship with western nations, and despite the fact that the acquisition of its Persian artifacts may have been more a sign of imperialism than is comfortable in the modern world, this book offers a way for Western audiences to see at least some of the glory that was ancient Persia. Whenever a museum seeks to look at a particular country as a 'forgotten empire' one can tell that this museum is looking to secure a greater degree of popularity for its items. Included will be sections on the expansion of the Persian Empire (including the Graeco-Persian Wars), arms and warfare, trade and commerce, writing, luxury dinner services, jewellery, religious and burial customs, and the rediscovery of Ancient Persia.

sites of Susa and Persepolis will provide a major focus, with objects grouped in themes within the palace context. This beautifully illustrated catalogue will provide a unique insight into the wealth and splendour of Persian society - its rich palaces, exquisite craftsmanship and sophisticated learning. Later writers, artists and musicians since the sixteenth century have been inspired by the Achaemenids and the Persian Wars. Famous Persian kings are known to us from Greek writers such as Herodotus and Xenophon. Even their conqueror, Alexander the Great, quickly succumbed to Persian culture. The Achaemenids acted as a bridge between the earlier Near Eastern cultures and the later Classical world of the Mediterranean, and had a profound influence on Greece in political, military, economic and cultural fields.

It originated with Cyrus the Great (559-530 BC) and expanded under his successors - who ruled from the royal capitals of Susa and Persepolis - until at its peak it stretched from the Indus Valley to Greece and from the Caspian Sea to Egypt. Persia's Achaemenid Empire flourished between 550 and 331 BC, and encompassed a rich diversity of different peoples and cultures.

The World of Achaemenid Persia by John E. Curtis