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

The Achaemenid Empire: A History of Persia is a comprehensive and engaging textbook that provides an accessible introduction to the history of ancient Persia.

Written by renowned historian Maria Brosius, this book offers a unique approach to the subject, combining both archaeological and literary sources to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of the empire's culture, politics, and people. The text begins with an overview of the Achaemenid Empire's establishment and expansion under Cyrus the Great, before delving into the complexities of Greek-Persian relations, the creation of a Persian ruling class, and the bureaucracy and operation of the empire.

Brosius also examines material rarely covered in non-specialist texts, such as royal inscriptions, Aramaic documents, and recent archaeological finds, providing readers with a detailed and balanced understanding of the empire's history. Throughout the book, Brosius emphasizes the importance of critically assessing Greek sources, highlighting how their narrative of Achaemenid political history often depicted stereotypical images of the Persians rather than historical reality.

This innovative approach allows readers to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the empire's history, culture, and people. The Achaemenid Empire: A History of Persia is an ideal primary textbook for courses in Ancient History, Near Eastern Studies, and Classical Civilizations, as well as an invaluable resource for general readers with an interest in the history of empires, particularly the first Persian empire or Iranian civilization.

With its comprehensive introduction to Achaemenid geography, Greek historiography, and modern scholarship on the Persian War, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and influential empires in human history.