The only book of its kind to cover both the Achaemenid period and the thousand years following Alexander's conquest, The Persians explores the period from the seventh century BC, to the seventh century AD, and presents a comprehensive introduction to ancient Persia.
Incorporating recent research, and translated sources from a wide range of corpus material, Maria Brosius explores the history of Persia, and brings a new understanding of Persian society and culture and the structures on which these empires were built: the king and his court; religion and culture; art and architecture.
From the lands of Egypt to the Indus River, from the Russian Steppes to the Indian Ocean, Brosius has provided an up-to-date account of the three empires of pre-Islamic Iran, and discussing key topics such as women, religion and art and architecture, she presents a clear survey of the history of these empires.
Providing additional reading references along with frequent source citations, students of ancient Persia will find this an invaluable addition to their course studies.
1. The Archaemenids
1.1 Historical Survey
- the early Persian kings
- the founder of the Empire: Cyrus II
- the Archaemenids: Darius I and his successors
1.2 King and Court
- royal women
- the king's men
- royal pursuits
1.3 Organisation and administration of the empire
- the peoples of the empire
- administration of Persis
- royal roads
- the army
1.4 Religion
- the Achaemenids and the cult of Ahuramazda
- the Jews in the Achaemenid empire
- funerary customs
1.5 Art and Architecture
(Excursus I: The creation of 'the other': The Persians and the Greek-Persian wars)
2. The Parthians (Arsacids)
2.1 Historical survey
- introduction
- the beginnings
- establishing and empire
- consolidation of power
- enmity with Rome
2.2 King and Court
- succession to the throne
- royal women
- royal cities
2.3 Organisation of the Empire
- Parthian society
- administration
- the army
- economy and trade
2.4 Religion
2.5 Art and Architecture
(Excursus II: the Parthians in the eyes of the Romans)
3. The Sasanians
3.1 Historical Survey
- the beginnings
- the reign of Shapur II and his successors
- the height of empire: Khosrow I Anoshirwan
3.2 King and Court
- royal cities
- women at the Sasanian court
- the Sasanian nobility
3.3 Organisation of Empire
- economy and trade
- the army
3.4 Religion
- Christianity
- Manichaeism
-Mazdakism
3.5 Art and Architecture
- royal monumental art
- religious architecture
- rock reliefs
- art of the Sasanian court
Appendices
The Achaemenid dynasty
The Arsacid dynasty
The Sasanian dynasty
Selected bibliography
Index
Biography
Maria Brosius
'the work is an excellent introduction to these three ancient civilisations which combines a depth of research, and a wide focus with a lively literary style, which makes it an easy and highly enjoyable read... this work is an excellent introduction to the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian civilisations, and takes a refreshing, non-western based, approach to ancient history.' - Gareth C. Sampson, BMCR
