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The Rise and Organisation of the Achaemenid Empire
The Eastern Iranian Evidence
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The present book discusses the eastern part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, which was founded around the middle of the sixth century B.C. by Cyrus the Great. Within twenty years the empire stretched from the Aegean coast in the west, to the Kâbul valley in the east. How did the Persians manage to conquer such a vast area within such a short time? And how did they manage to preserve their empire for two hundred years before being defeated by the military genius of Alexander of Macedon?
The answer to the above questions is sought in the chaotic years that preceded the rise of the Achaemenids. On the basis of geographical and general historical information, the Persian Achaemenid texts and reliefs, classical sources and archaeological material, this study draws attention to the nomads from the Central Asian steppes and deserts who throughout history have played a major role in the developments that took place on the Iranian Plateau and beyond.
The answer to the above questions is sought in the chaotic years that preceded the rise of the Achaemenids. On the basis of geographical and general historical information, the Persian Achaemenid texts and reliefs, classical sources and archaeological material, this study draws attention to the nomads from the Central Asian steppes and deserts who throughout history have played a major role in the developments that took place on the Iranian Plateau and beyond.
W.J. Vogelsang, (Ph.D. 1990, University of Groningen) is Executive Secretary of the Centre of Non-Western Studies, Leiden University. He has published numerous articles on the prehistory and archaeology of South and Southwest Asia.
'Possibly one of the most important contributions to Iranian history to appear in recent years...A masterly overview, essential reading for the student of Iran's place in the ancient world.'
G.R.G. Hambly, Choice, 1993.
'...a very important contribution to the history of the Achaemenid period...will be certainly of enormous interest not only for specialists in Iranian studies but also for all interested in ancient history.'
Jana PeÄÃrková, ArchÃv OrientálnÃ, 1993.
'V.'s command of the material is impressive, and his detailed studies of the sources will be a rich reservoir in their own right.'
L.L. Grabbe, SOTS, 1994.
'Vogelsang assesses the archaeological evidence. The result is a very useful compilation of material. Students of the Achaemenid empire have been well served by the production of [this book] and with the appearance the discipline takes a sigificant step forwards.'
J.E. Curtis, BSOAS, 1995.
G.R.G. Hambly, Choice, 1993.
'...a very important contribution to the history of the Achaemenid period...will be certainly of enormous interest not only for specialists in Iranian studies but also for all interested in ancient history.'
Jana PeÄÃrková, ArchÃv OrientálnÃ, 1993.
'V.'s command of the material is impressive, and his detailed studies of the sources will be a rich reservoir in their own right.'
L.L. Grabbe, SOTS, 1994.
'Vogelsang assesses the archaeological evidence. The result is a very useful compilation of material. Students of the Achaemenid empire have been well served by the production of [this book] and with the appearance the discipline takes a sigificant step forwards.'
J.E. Curtis, BSOAS, 1995.
Scholars and students of the history of ancient Iran and South Central Asia, Classicists, and students of Early State formation.