The History and Culture of Ancient Persia
Zoom Video Conference | Available (Membership Required)
Based on what we know of 21st century Iran, you might never guess the grand and ancient history of Persia. The kings of Persia’s Achaemenid Dynasty, dating to around 550 BCE, created one of the largest and most influential empires in history, rivaling China, Egypt and Rome. Falsely depicted as barbarians by Greek and Roman writers, the Persians established a culturally sophisticated and well-governed nation that helped shape the modern world.
Our text, Persians:
The Age of the Great Kings, by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones offers a thorough rebuttal of the traditional Western image of Persia.
Click here to view the course syllabus.
Format: Class members will give presentations and lead discussions on topics that they will select from a list prepared by the coordinator. Presentations will be strongly encouraged but not required.
Resources/Expenses: Persians:The Age of the Great Kings by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones is available for $12 and up from online booksellers. Other readings will be articles downloadable from the Web at no expense.
Robert Martin
Bob Martin received a B.A. degree in English at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and had a varied career as teacher, journalist, political activist and non-profit administrator. Bob has led previous courses on topics such as The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Culture That Created It, and Lost Enlightenment: Central Asia’s Golden Age.