A History of Ancient Persia - The AchaemenidEmpire - (Blackwell History of the Ancient World) by Maria Brosius (Paperback)

About the Book

"In the past few decades Achaemenid history has established itself as an exciting and multi-facetted area of study and research. Thanks to many academic publications looking at aspects of the empire or indeed cover the history in its entirety, the subject has become accessible to students and graduates, while concise histories offer non-specialists and general readers a way into the subject. Several recent exhibitions on ancient Persia, some of them travelling across the globe, have brought the splendour of the Persian court, the immensely rich art found across its territories and in the far corners of the empire, to life. Most recently, a magisterial sourcebook on the Persian empire written by Amâelie Kuhrt has given the academic community an invaluable tool to learn about the wealth of written sources on Achaemenid Persia"--

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

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 Ancient Persia: 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 frm 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 history often 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 World series, A History of Ancient Persia: 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.

About the Author

Maria Brosius is a former Associate Professor in Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations, University of Toronto, and Lecturer at The Queen's College, Oxford University. Now retired, Professor Brosius' research focuses on the history of pre-Islamic Persia, especially on the Achaemenid period, as well as on the cultural, intellectual, and religious connections between Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. She is the author of The Persians: An Introduction, The Persian Empire from Cyrus II to Artaxerxes I, and Women in Ancient Persia.