The World of Achaemenid Persia

""This timely book represents an outstanding contribution to the state of research on the first actual world empire in history. There can be no doubt that many of its thought-provoking articles will make a strong impact on our views of ancient Persia, and of its society and culture."" -- Josef Wiesehofer, Professor of Ancient History, Kiel University

""The Achaemenid era constitutes the most brilliant period of Persia's long history: a period during which all of Western Asia and part of North Africa were brought together in a vast empire under the suzerainty of the Achaemenid kings. A great deal of research has gone into the elucidation of the various aspects of the dynasty and the empire. It is wonderful now to have such an up-to-date, competent, and comprehensive history and culture of Achaemenid Persia between two covers.""--Ehsan Yarshater, Hagop Kevorkian Professor Emeritus of Iranian Studies, Columbia University

""The Persian Empire has never been out of the news, but since the great British Museum exhibition, and a spate of publications on the subject, it is more in the eyes and minds of archaeologists and historians of the ancient world than hitherto. This welcome volume offers a major guide to and an explanation of the whole phenomenon, from the acknowledged experts. It will be used and referred to more than most such compendia, and for very good reason.""--Sir John Boardman, FBA, Lincoln Professor Emeritus of Classical Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford

""This attractive and authoritative volume provides an unusually complete assessment of the multiple accomplishments of the Achaemenid Persians. The range of topics that is covered is quite exceptional; and the long list of contributors includes most of the principal scholars who are active in Achaemenid and ancient Persian studies at the present moment.""-- David Stronach, Emeritus Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology, University of California, Berkeley

""A valuable asset to those interested in Archaemenid and Persian studies...comprehensive and authoritative, addressing important historical and cultural concerns. Often, in works such as this, the bibliography and index are lacking or non-existent. This one is an exception...[the bibliography and index] make an already splendid volume much more enjoyable."" -- Iran and the Caucasus