The World of Achaemenid Persia:
History, Art and Society in Iran and the Ancient Near East

Dr John Curtis OBE and Dr St John Simpson.

I.B. Tauris in partnership with Iran Heritage Foundation.

Interest and fascination in Achaemenid Persia has burgeoned in recent years, thus necessitating a 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. The World of Achaemenid Persia fills the gap by offering 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 embraces the whole vast territory of the Persian Empire from North Africa to India and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf. Topics covered in this title include aspects of Achaemenid religion, administration, material culture, ethnicity, gender and the survival of Achaemenid traditions. The publication of the book is an event in itself, a watershed not only because it introduces a better appreciation and understanding of the rich and complex cultural heritage established by Cyrus, but also because of the lasting significance of the Achaemenid kings and the impact that their remarkable civilisation has had on greater Persian and Middle Eastern history.

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

March 2010

£41.50, Hardback, 648 pages

ISBN

9781848853461