The Persian Empire: Kingship and Power in the Ancient Near East

How did Persia become one of the great powers of the ancient world?

The Persian Empire: Kingship and Power in the Ancient Near East explores the rise, rule and legacy of an empire that transformed the political landscape of antiquity. From the conquests of Cyrus the Great to the reforms of Darius I and the conflicts with the Greek world, this book traces the development of Persian power across the Near East and beyond.

At its height, the Persian Empire ruled over a vast and diverse collection of peoples. Its strength did not rest on conquest alone. Persian kings built systems of administration, tribute, communication and authority that allowed them to govern across enormous distances. Roads, satrapies, royal capitals, armies and imperial ceremonies all helped present the king as the centre of order in a world of many nations.

This book introduces readers to the major figures, events and ideas that shaped Persian history. It examines the rise of the Achaemenid dynasty, the role of Cyrus, Cambyses, Darius and Xerxes, the empire’s relationship with Babylon, Egypt and Greece, and the cultural and political achievements that made Persia a model of imperial rule.

Rather than presenting Persia only as the rival of Greece, this account places the empire in its own world: a sophisticated and ambitious power rooted in the traditions of the ancient Near East.

Written in a clear and engaging style, this is a concise introduction for readers who want to understand the Persian Empire, its kingship, its power and its enduring historical importance

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Udgivelsesdato

E-bog: 1. januar 2026