The Persians: An Enthralling Guide to the History of Persia and the Persian Empire

by Billy Wellman

The Iranian Plateau has an extensive history dating back to 100,000 BCE!

Today, Persia is known as the country of Iran, but long ago, Persia was once home to various nomadic tribes. It saw the rise of many empires and dynasties. The Assyrians fell to the Medians, who paved the way for the emergence of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the greatest empires in ancient history.

Throughout history, Persia made great contributions to the language and culture of the region. Nomadic movements and changing empires meant it was a hub of continuous cultural exploration and development. The Persians established and spread new ways of government, administration, and currency. The region is also the birthplace of Zoroastrianism and new ways of thinking and art.

The rise of the Achaemenid Empire is one of the most influential periods in world history. With Cyrus the Great and Darius I, the empire rose to unrivaled heights, gathering vast wealth and territories. Learn how this great empire declined and the role Alexander the Great played in it.

This book offers an enthralling insight into the exciting and often bloody history of ancient Persia and the Persian Empire.

By reading this book, you will discover the How the Assyrian Empire gave rise to the Medians and then the Achaemenid dynastyThe establishment of the Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great and his many expeditions, which helped build the greatest empire of its timeThe period of Achaemenid rule over Persia, stretching from Cambyses II to Darius IIIThe Achaemenid takeover of Lydia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, Babylonia, and Asia MinorAchaemenid conflicts with Greece, which ultimately led to the empire’s downfall at the hands of Alexander the GreatThe political, cultural, religious, and social influence of the Achaemenid Empire in and around ancient PersiaAnd so much more!
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Genres: History

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2023

Reviews

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Persians provides a lot of information on the country but is overshadowed by all the wars mentioned. With that being said it is a good source of information on the topic of Persia and the evolving of the nomad tribes and their contribution to its language and culture. I found it a fascinating book to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gary Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

History

This book is about the history of the Persians, how they came to power in the beginning and the ideas Cyrus I had in creating the empire. It's also about how their empire fell, and things in between, one being a mail courier system, that once I read about, I immediately thought of the American west, pony express.

I would recommend this book to others that enjoy history, those that are curious, and those that like to learn.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. There is a lot of information in this book. However it is overshadowed by the constant wars described in the book.

[kianshirali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history both

Very detailed and researched history book and the generations of civilization, which they still effect our generation. Overall the mankind of hunger for knowledge and power have remained the motivation for changes.

[Lisa-Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this history after reading the book about Alexander the Great recently. I wanted to understand the Persian Empire better because it was so influential in Alexander’s story and he admired it so. An empire that lasted from 550 BCE to 330 BCE and included the Balkans, Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, most of West Asia and Central Asia, and even the Hindu Kush, is impressive. Persia ruled Babylon! “The history of the Iranian Plateau is divided into three phases, given the extensive and rich succession of civilizations it was home to. The prehistoric period consists of the earliest evidence of civilization in the region, dating back to around 100,000 BCE. The protohistoric period, which started in the 1st millennium BCE, was next. The final period is based on the rule of the Achaemenid Empire, of which extensive written records can be found. This empire spanned from the 6th century to the 4th century BCE.” I felt like I was in a college class listening to a professor speak dully from an outline. This book never came alive for me, but I was able to put the Persian Empire into a larger historical context. The most interesting aspects for me were the Achaemenid sections where a written record existed, and the author wasn’t just postulating.

I learned that Cyrus the Great established the empire in 550 BCE and governed by innovative techniques such a strong road infrastructure, multiculturalism and tolerance of many religions, a postal system, and a large army. The dominant Persian religion was Zoroastrianism, but the empire included Jewish, Muslim, and Christian populations. How can one ruler govern so many countries and peoples? I loved reading about the roadbuilding especially the Royal Road. Couriers were instructed to travel the 1,677 miles from Susa (modern Iran) to Sardis (modern Turkey) in 9 days. Parts of it still exist! It facilitated communication and governance across an enormous area. So many aspects to learn about. My next reading will be about Persian art and architecture. “The Persians showed great skill in various facets of art and architecture. They are particularly known for their love and expertise in creating rock and frieze reliefs and their skill with precious metals.”