The World of Achaemenid Persia The Diversity of Ancient Iran

by Curtis, John; Simpson, St. John

• ISBN13: 9781848853461
• ISBN10: 1848853467
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-05-15
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris

Summary

Interest and fascination in Achaemenid Persia has burgeoned in recent years. It is time for a major new appraisal of the glorious civilization founded by Cyrus the Great and continued by his successors, the Great Kings Darius I, Xerxes and Artaxerxes I. This volume offers precisely that: a sustained and comprehensive overview of the field of Achaemenid studies by leading scholars and experts. It discusses all aspects of Achaemenid history and archaeology between 550 BCE and 330 BCE, and embraces the whole vast territory of the Persian Empire from North Africa to India and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf. Topics covered include aspects of Achaemenid religion, administration, material culture, ethnicity, gender and the survival of Achaemenid traditions. The publication of the book is an event: it represents a watershed not only in better appreciation and understanding of the rich and complex cultural heritage established by Cyrus, but also of the lasting significance of the Achaemenid kings and the impact that their remarkable civilization has had on wider Persian and Middle Eastern history.

Author Biography

John Curtis is Keeper of the Middle East Collections at the British Museum and St John Simpson is Curator of Ancient Iran and Arabia, also at the British Museum.

Table of Contents

Achaemenid history and historiography * Centre and periphery – views on the Persian Empire * The Oxus Treaure and other Achaemenid suptuary arts * Babylonia in the Persian period * Iran and Arabia * Political contunuity and change * Dress, gender and appearance * Interpreting iconography * Achaemenid religion * Bibliography * Index