Persia - Ancient Iran and the Classical World

The Achaemenid king Cyrus the Great founded the first Persian Empire in the sixth century BCE, establishing one of the greatest world powers of antiquity. Greek culture spread throughout the Near East, but local dynasties reestablished themselves. The rise of the Roman Empire brought it into conflict with Persia. Persia explores the political, intellectual, religious, and artistic relations between Persia, Greece, and Rome from the seventh century BCE to the Arab conquest of 651 CE, with more than three hundred images and essays by international scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2022
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications

The establishment of the first Persian Empire by the Achaemenid king Cyrus the Great in the sixth century BCE marked the emergence of one of the most formidable global powers of ancient times. Spanning from the borders of Greece to northern India, Persia was perceived by the Greeks as a wealthy and powerful rival, often posing a significant existential threat. However, the Macedonian king Alexander the Great's conquest of the Achaemenid Empire in 330 BCE led to the spread of Greek culture throughout the Near East. Nevertheless, local dynasties, such as the Parthian and Sasanian, reemerged and asserted their dominance. The rise of the Roman Empire as a world power also brought it into conflict with Persia, despite the ongoing trade that traversed their territories.

Persia delves into the intricate political, intellectual, religious, and artistic relationships between Persia, Greece, and Rome from the seventh century BCE to the Arab conquest of 651 CE. Essays by esteemed international scholars explore the interactions and exchanges of influence between these three great civilizations. This extensively illustrated volume showcases a vast collection of over three hundred images, including sculptures, jewelry, silver luxury vessels, coins, gems, and inscriptions, which vividly depict the Persian ideology of empire and its profound impact on Persia's diverse lands as well as the Greek and Roman spheres.

Published in conjunction with a major international exhibition held at the Getty Villa from April 6 to August 8, 2022, this volume aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the rich cultural heritage of Persia and its significance in the ancient world.

Weight: 2720g
Dimension: 250 x 301 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606066805