Persians: The Age of The Great Kings

The book "The Persians" is a new history of the Persian Empire, the world's first superpower, that spans from Libya to the Steppes of Asia and from Ethiopia to Pakistan. It explores the Empire's fabled palace-city of Persepolis, where the Achaemenid monarchs held court, and the Achaemenids, one of history's great dysfunctional families, who fought for power and governed their diverse Empire.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

The Persians, a groundbreaking new history of the Persian Empire, stands as the world's first superpower. The Great Kings of Persia presided over the vast expanse of the ancient empire, spanning from Libya to the Steppes of Asia, and from Ethiopia to Pakistan. At the center of this empire was the legendary palace-city of Persepolis, where the Achaemenid monarchs held court in unparalleled splendor. From this majestic citadel, Cyrus the Great, Darius, Xerxes, and their heirs enacted laws, assembled armies, and governed their diverse and multicultural empire.

Yet, the Achaemenids were a complex and dysfunctional family. Brothers clashed in power struggles, wives and concubines plotted to elevate their sons to the throne, and eunuchs and courtiers vied for influence and prestige. Our traditional understanding of the Persian Empire has been shaped by the accounts of Greek writers like Herodotus, and over centuries, our perspective has been influenced by ancient political and cultural agendas.

In a remarkable departure from the conventional narrative, Professor Llewellyn-Jones has delved into original Achaemenid sources, including inscriptions, art, and recent archaeological discoveries in Iran. Through this comprehensive approach, he presents a fresh and authentic Persian Version of the remarkable first great empire of antiquity—the Age of the Great Kings.

The Persians offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the Persian Empire, shedding light on its rich history, cultural diversity, and political complexities. It challenges the traditional narratives and provides a fresh perspective on this remarkable civilization. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient history, world civilizations, and the fascinating story of the Persians.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472277329