Persians: The Age of the Great Kings

ZEER WEINIG ILLUSTRATIES

A well researched, informative and engaging read.

At last: the book I have always wanted! Written by an author who writes beautifully and engagingly and at the same time with trustworthy authority about a civilization we should all know more about — he makes the great kings come alive, and their world as well. Nature, gardens, architecture, warfare, relationships with neighboring civilizations — it’s all here. No notes, carefully pruned suggestions for further reading in English. Assuming no prior knowledge, only interest, the author sometimes steps into the role of speaking on behalf of the culture he is presenting, so his writing does have a point of view, and a persuasive one. A masterpiece.

Having recently immersed myself in the history of ancient Greece and Macedonia, I wanted to balance my knowledge and understanding somewhat with a look at the same time periods, but through the eyes of the Persians with whom were so often in conflict. This book has helped me to do so. It is clear where the author's sympathies lie, especially towards the end of the book, where Darius III's military decisions are lauded, even although they led to crushing defeat at the hands of Alexander - who notably is referred to in this book as 'the Macedonian' rather than the more usual 'Great' The destruction of Persepolis alone is enough to strip him of the imprimatur 'Great' not to mention his probable complicity in the murder of his father Phillip II of Macedonia - oh, and the millions of lives lost as a direct result of his vaulting ambition However, back to the book. The writing style is fluent, and despite the huge amount of information contained in these pages, highly readable. The book does indeed go some way to towards balancing the pro Hellenic view of history taken by western writers over the millennia and it makes for thought provoking and enjoyable as well as informative reading. I found the final chapter which explores the place of the Achaemenids Kings in modern Iranian culture to be thoughtful and carefully considered about where the future of Iran may lead. Highly recommended if you want to be entertained as well as informed of n rather different view of the conflicts between Persia and the West

Mindblowing!