About

Explore the secrets of one of the greatest empires in the ancient world from a fresh perspective: its own. Over the span of 24 lectures, Professor John W. I. Lee examines Persian sources to reveal what we know about this grand civilization.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. Rethinking the Persian Empire

31m

Cyrus. Darius. Xerxes. These great Persian kings were sometimes stereotyped as one-dimensional despots in Greek histories. But through modern history detective work, you'll uncover the truth about the Achaemenid Persian Empire - an "empire of information" that stretched from Egypt and Asia Minor, through Mesopotamia and Iran, all the way to the Indus Valley.

2. Questioning the Sources

29m

Explore how we've come to know the Persian Empire. Greek historians such as Herodotus provided valuable information, but the Greek perspective was often negatively biased. For a more balanced perspective, turn to archaeology, which has uncovered inscriptions, administrative tablets, and other documents that let the Persians speak for themselves.

3. The World before Cyrus

33m

Take a tour of the ancient world before the Persian Empire. In the centuries leading up to the Persian Empire, the Assyrians were the major international power. When the Assyrian kingdom collapsed, it left a power vacuum in the region. Watch as the stage was set for a new power to seize the imperial mantle.

4. Cyrus and Cambyses - Founders of the Empire

30m

Learn how Cyrus, the first great king of the Persian Empire, expanded the empire through pragmatic leadership. You'll see how he made use of local customs and traditions and thereby gained legitimacy over a wide territory - including central Asia and Babylon. His son Cambyses continued that method when he expanded the empire into Egypt.

5. Darius I - Creator of the Imperial System

30m

Witness the first challenge to the new empire: Was Darius, the son-in-law of Cyrus, a legitimate king? After Cambyses died, and in the face of civil war, Darius established himself as a swift, decisive, unwavering leader. See how Darius created both a royal genealogy and a Persian identity, after which he turned to building infrastructure.

6. Persian Capitals and Royal Palaces

30m

Step back and tour the five Persian capitals - Pasargadae, Ecbatana, Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis. Built in strategic, fortified locations, these cities were important symbols of power for the great kings. For instance, you'll encounter the great hall at Persepolis, which could hold 10,000 guests.

7. The Great King - Images and Realities

30m

Look beyond the outside stereotypes of Persian kings as tyrants and see what the kings themselves had to say. In sculpted reliefs and carvings on royal tombs, the words and images of Darius and Xerxes show Persian values of harmonious cooperation.

8. Royal Roads and Provinces

29m

Take a road trip into the western provinces and see the empire's diverse local customs. The Persian Empire was famous for its roads and bridges, and people traveled often. Learn how its express messenger system allowed information to travel quickly - and allowed the king to keep tabs on every corner of the empire.

9. East of Persepolis

31m

Travel east through what is now Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and onward into Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Here you'll discover the complexity of Persian power, as well as its lasting influence. With people moving across vast distances, the Persian Empire was held together by its efficient administration and communication systems.

10. Challenges in the West, 513 - 494 B.C.

30m

Revolts in Ionia and Cyprus and an attack by the Athenians show the limits of the Persian philosophy of harmonious cooperation - not everyone was content under Persian rule. Explore the early challenges to Persian power and see how Darius contained these threats using diplomacy, military force, and strategic communication.

Extended Details

SeriesPersian Empire

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

The Great CoursesDirector

The Great CoursesProducer

John W. I. LeeActor