Customer Reviews

Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia

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As the above mention, the book does contain very well reproduced photographs of a large selection of archaeological artefacts. But, for the scholar or student looking to get into the study of the Achaemenid Empire, it also contains a wealth of bibliographic materials related to those artefacts in particular, or the history around them in general. The book contains links to more in-depth discussion while keeping the basics easy to find and understand.

I was devastated that I could not see this exhibit in the British Museum in London. Forgotten Empire: The World of Ancient Persia, is truthfully, the largest collection of Persian art that there ever has been. Made up of the British Museum's immense collection, the dazzling artifacts from the Louvre in Paris, and most amazing and wonderfully- the National Museum of Iran, and the Persepolis Museum. If you have seen the exhibit, (I am murderously jealous of you), and this book is the perfect way to remember this once in ten life times experience. If, like me, you weren't fortunate enough to see the exhibit, then this book is the next best thing.
How can I describe it. Its wonderful. Handsomely illustrated with hundreds of gorgeous color photographs, not only of the artifacts themselves, including jewelry, vases, statues, pillars, stone reliefs, goblets, swords, and coins, but also the beautiful archeological remains of the sites from which they originate (ie. the administrative capital of Susa, the Pleasure Palace at Persepolis). I particularly love the rhytons, the silver or gold drinking horns, and the glazed tiles from Susa. The pictures detailing the tombs and palace complexes of Persepolis are stunning. This book recreates the doomed, beautifully tragic, golden society of ancient Persia.

This large and attractive book is the work of two scholars from the Department of the Ancient Near East at the British Museum - John Curtis, the Keeper of the Department, and Nigel Tallis, his special assistant. It was created to accompany an exhibition of the museum's holding, and acts as something of a catalogue. But, it is so much more than that.

What this book really is is a history of Ancient Persia, illustrated with many colorful pictures of Persian artifacts. Many subjects are covered herein, ranging from a general history of Ancient Persia, through the royal table, religion, imperial administration, and transport and warfare. And last, but not least, is a chapter on the legacy of Ancient Persia.

Overall, I found this to be a very interesting book. It takes a very interesting look at certain subjects that are not adequately covered in most books - such as burial customs. Plus, I must say that the brightly colored pictures of the artifacts, such as Persian stamp- and cylinder-seals were worth the price of the book alone.

I think that this is an excellent book on Ancient Persia, one that is sure to please any student of ancient history.

The book is an excellent introduction to the Persian Empire; the world's first true empire. From developing new forms of political administration, building roads that would inspire Rome, fromulating monotheism and fostering cultural tolerance, the Persians were innovators in every sense of the word. Sadly this world is all too often forgotten or only mentioned in passing. This is an excellent beginning for anyone interested in the history of Iran, whose people trace their roots- both ethnically and culturally- to the world of ancient Persia.

There is little to add to what has been previously written, except:
(1) This is NO cocktail table book. Its text is unusually complete and detailed.
(2) Sorry that they omitted to give the qualifications of the contributors.

A most excellent book; but remember it only confines itself to the Achaemenid Empire.

I loved the book. There are hundreds of excellent quality photos, lots of descriptions, wonderful articles, and useful maps to help understanding the old Persia. It covers every aspect of life in ancient Persia: the government, the financial system and daily life. I have watched the photos every day and still want to watch them more. Articles are academically sound, easy to read and the book is well structured.

Another good thing about it is that, it reveals the bias introduced to the Ancient history by Greeks.

I have the Catalog of the British Museum Exhibition: "Forgotten Empire, the world of Ancient Persia" by the same authors. This book's text is essentially the same as the text in the catalog. The exhibition, and this book, mark a turning point in our appreciation of the legacy of the Ancient Persians in 'western' civilization. For too long the Greek texts colored western opinions of the Persians. This consise, clear, well-reasoned study begins to correct that biass. Oh - and the illustrations are exquisite!

The exhibition was absolutely wonderful with material from Louvre,British Museum,National Museum of Iran,my eyes were filled with tears as soon I walked into the exhibition rooms and I remembered my first visit to Persepolis(Parse) as a child.Cyrus the Great laid the foundation for an Empire based on tolerance for other cultures and traditions and the Great king and Persians demonstrated their desire for other nations to maintain their own ethnocultural traditions.I recommend this book specially to readers who wish to get the correct information contray to the repeated Macedonian propaganda and I hope this book will be available in Persian language for that group of my compatriot who have forgotten their glorious past.The name of the book describes my point of view.

Forgotten Empire is named after an exhibition of the British Museum accomplished with the cooperation of the National Museum of Iran and therefore not only incorporates the contributions of a host of scholars, historians, archeologists, and museum directors, but also features hundreds of color photos of artifacts of some of the wonders of ancient Persia.

With each contributor focusing on a different aspect of the famous Achaemenid empire, each chapter is independent, leaving the reader with the option of exploring the chapters in whatever order she prefers. Not only this, but every chapter is furnished with a multitude of visual illustrations from maps, artifacts, and reconstructive sketches. The experience is like walking through a museum with expert scholars giving live commentary; this book has all the perks one could ask for in a treatment of Ancient Persia.

It appears to be part of the conscious agenda of the various contributors to correct false impressions about ancient Persia by recognizing that the perspective of the Greeks--particularly Herodotus' writings--about the ancient Persians was not only limited but also bias, as most ancient historians were.

Beautiful, this volume presents a large collection of textual and archaeological evidence about the history of Achaemenid Persia. I can't say I have encountered anything that quite compares. It is not precisely a history of ancient Persia, but is is a very through and visual presentation of the Persian world, a work not to be neglected by anyone with an interest in the subject.