Ancient Persian Empire

The World’s First Superpower Has Been Misunderstood for 2,000 Years. Almost everything you think you know about the Persian Empire was written by its enemies. For centuries, Greek historians portrayed Persia as a decadent empire ruled by weak kings and endless luxury. But behind that story stood one of history’s most sophisticated political systems—a superpower whose ideas still shape civilization today. Long before Rome rose to dominance, the Persians built a vast empire spanning three continents.

One of the most shocking things about the Persians is how quickly they went from an obscure, powerless, and nomadic tribe to an immense empire that spanned across western Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. The rise of Cyrus the great, considered the father of Persia, in the seventh century BCE, filled the power vacuum caused by the fall of the Assyrians, and it led to the formation of one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world.

A jaded thief and an idealistic archaeologist form an unlikely partnership to solve an ancient mystery. Opposed at every turn by unknown forces, their journey takes them across 1880s Egypt in search of a lost temple to the other side of the universe, where magic is all too real. Being a foreigner's bastard, Louisa learned early to take from the world before it took from her. Like a whisper in the sands of time, a stolen letter hints at the unimaginable.

During the first half of the first millennium CE, an empire arose in Persia that extended its power and influence to Mesopotamia in the east, Arabia in the south, the Caucasus Mountains in the north, and as far east as India. This empire, known alternatively as the Sasanian Empire or Sassanid Empire, was the last of three great dynasties in Persia before the rise of Islam. In fact, many scholars consider the Sasanian Empire to be the last great empire of the ancient Near East.

Taken together, the civilizations of Sumer, Assyria, and Persia have helped form the modern makeup of Mesopotamia, western Asia, and the world. However, to really understand why things are the way they are, it’s important to break up this historical timeline and spend some time learning about each society. Only by doing this will you be able to fully appreciate the powerful impact these ancient peoples had on our modern world.

Step into the golden age of kings, conquerors, and colossal ambition. From humble beginnings in the rugged heartlands of Persia, a visionary named Cyrus the Great rose to forge one of the most expansive empires the world had ever seen. Through conquest and compassion, diplomacy and divine rule, the Persian Empire would span three continents, influencing civilizations from the Nile to the Indus and beyond.

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.

Wake up as an outsider in the Achaemenid Empire, where ancient history transforms into a survival thriller. Perfect for turning your daily commute into an immersive escape, this cinematic journey drops you directly into the dust and danger of imperial Persia. You aren't a chosen hero—you are...

The action-filled movie 300 focused on Ancient Greece's epic battle of Thermopylae, in which King Leonidas led 300 Spartans into battle against Xerxes and his million-strong Persian forces. In the sequel, 300: Rise of an Empire, the action moves to the sea, covering 10 years starting with the Battle of Marathon and ending with naval engagement the Battle of Artemisium, which occurred the same day as Thermopylae. Rise of an Empire tells the story of the real men and events depicted in the movie.

Master the grand history of ancient empires as brilliant conquerors unite a fractured world into a massive superpower. Perfect for an educational daily commute, this immersive narrative transports you directly to the sweeping landscapes of the Near East. Experience the gripping saga of the...

Witness the dramatic rise and fall of a forgotten superpower in this epic journey through ancient history. Transform your daily commute into a cinematic exploration of the Achaemenid Empire, stretching from the Aegean to the Indus. Experience the thrill of monumental empire-building and the...

Step into sweeping ancient history to witness the epic empire building and dramatic collapse of a global superpower. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive audio journey transports you directly to the sun-baked Iranian plateau and the opulent royal courts of antiquity. Experience the...

Over the last 2,000 years, ambitious men have dreamed of forging vast empires and attaining eternal glory in battle, but of all the conquerors who took steps toward such dreams, none were ever as successful as antiquity’s first great conqueror. The Battle of the Persian Gate: The History of the Achaemenid Persian Empire’s Last Stand against Alexander the Great looks at one of antiquity’s most important battles.

Bloomsbury presents Athens and Sparta by Adrian Goldsworthy, read by Mark Elstob. Two great cities. One fierce rivalry. Countless untold stories. Athens and Sparta were the two big players in Ancient Greece. United, they helped lead the Greeks in defeating the great Persian invasion. Divided...

From the prehistoric ages to the modern Islamic Republic, Iran has always maintained its prevalent position in history as one of the most vibrant, distinct, and diverse countries in the world. Located in western Asia, sandwiched between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, the mountainous regions of the Zagros Mountains have long been home to a civilization whose marvelous development throughout history is like no other.

With unimaginable wealth, palace intrigues, birthday parties featuring fine wine and endless desserts, lavish architecture and gardens, an underground water system, and a 1,500-mile Royal Road, the ancient Persian Empire captures the imagination.

While he was one of the most influential men in the ancient world, research on Cyrus the Great is simultaneously fascinating and frustrating. Of course, this reality has deepened the mystique that surrounds Cyrus even to this day, and it has elevated his status from conqueror and king to enlightened humanist monarch and ideal ruler. Whatever the underlying issues, the incredible achievements of Cyrus distinguish him as one of the greatest kings in history, and his life, conquests, reforms, and rule continue to be of great interest over 2,500 years later.

A long time ago, in a suburban high school not so far away, a closeted nerd (me) and a closeted soccer star (Hutch) fell in love and planned to make their public debut at prom. Until Hutch bailed at the last minute, leaving me with a broken heart and unworn tuxedo. Tale as old as time, right? I spent the past ten years working to forget Hutch, returning to our old high school to teach and make new memories that could erase ones of him. I thought Hutch was ancient history, off living his professional athlete life. 

Lying in the middle of a plain in modern-day Iran is a forgotten ancient city, Persepolis. Built two and a half thousand years ago, it was known in its day as the richest city under the sun. Persepolis was the capital of Persia, the largest empire the world had ever seen, but after its destruction, it was largely forgotten for nearly 2,000 years, and the lives and achievements of those who built it were almost entirely erased from history.

The history of the Persian Empire (or Empires) stretches from ancient times well into the 20th century. Through biblical events, to the dawn and spread of Islam, to the revolutions of the 20th century, Persia - or Iran - has played an integral role in nearly all major events of world history. Uncover the fascinating story of this influential and unique civilization.