Persians

In Persians, Professor Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones offers a meticulously researched narrative about the Great Kings of Persia who ruled over the largest empire of antiquity. This vast empire stretched from Libya to the steppes of Asia and from Ethiopia to Pakistan, showcasing an unparalleled diversity in culture and governance.

At the heart of this sprawling empire was the grand and fabled palace-city of Persepolis where the Achaemenid monarchs held court in unimaginable splendour. From the opulent halls of Persepolis, figures such as Cyrus the Great, Darius, Xerxes, and their heirs passed laws, raised formidable armies, and administered their expansive, multicultural realm.

However, amidst the splendour and power, the Achaemenids formed one of history's most dysfunctional dynasties. Brothers clashed for dominance, wives and concubines schemed to place their sons on the throne, and eunuchs and courtiers vied fiercely for influence and prestige within the court.

Our traditional understanding of the Persian Empire has often been shaped by the writings of ancient Greek historians like Herodotus, whose accounts were coloured by their own political and cultural biases. In Persians, Professor Llewellyn-Jones draws upon original Achaemenid sources, including inscriptions, art, and recent archaeological discoveries from Iran. These findings help build an authentic 'Persian Version' of this extraordinary first great empire of antiquity, known as the Age of the Great Kings.

Professor Llewellyn-Jones vividly illustrates how the Persian rulers managed to govern an empire of such vastness and complexity with remarkable efficiency and sophistication. He explores the political strategies, cultural achievements, and the everyday lives of the subjects living under the reign of the Great Kings, providing an intimate look at the dynamics that powered this ancient superpower.

With its blend of gripping historical narrative and insightful analysis, Persians not only reconstructs the lives and times of the Achaemenid monarchs but also challenges long-standing perceptions, offering a fresh perspective on one of history's most influential empires.