During the first and second millennia bc large numbers of nomadic people known as Aryans migrated outwards into the Eurasian periphery from Central Asia. One particular branch of these Aryans made their home south of the Caspian Sea, and become known to history as s or Iranians. Their first dwellings were in an unpromisingly arid area, but from there these early settlers would go on to form one of the most powerful empires in history.
The s tells the captivating story of this beguiling ancient civilization, tracing the unique features of life and unraveling their influence throughout history. The book describes the difficulties early s encountered and how these contributed to their unique character, as well as the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire. It recounts the keenly fought conflicts with the Greeks for mastery of the Eastern Mediterranean, a contest which was to dominate the geopolitics of the ancient world, and it paints a vivid picture of the many great cities and their spectacular achievements: an efficient road system that linked an empire together; respect for their subject peoples; and advances in irrigation techniques which created a 'paradise' envied by their neighbours.
Providing an entertaining insight into the influence, traditions and history of ancient Persia, the book shows how the uniqueness of modern Iran in the Islamic world owes much to its ancient civilization.