*Includes pictures *Includes ancient accounts *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Lying in the middle of a plain in modern day Ira

A richly-illustrated and important book that traces the rise and fall of one of the ancient world's largest and richest empires.

Out of a lifetime of study of the ancient Near East, Professor Olmstead has gathered previously unknown material into the story of the life, times, and thought

A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s new open access publishing program. Visit www.luminosoa.org

An innovative approach to the history of the First Persian Empire, offering an accessible historical narrative for students and general readers alike A History