Name: The Persian Empire
Released: 2012-03-02T00:00:00.000Z
Cast: John W. I. Lee

Available on Prime Video

The ancient Persians; the secrets of one of the greatest empires in the ancient world from a fresh perspective; John Lee examines Persian sources to reveal details about this grand civilization; filling in some critical gaps in one's understanding.

History · 2012 · 31 min

Starring John W. I. Lee

EPISODE 1

Rethinking the Persian Empire

Cyrus, Darius and Xerxes, the Persian kings, are stereotyped as one-dimensional despots in Greek histories. However, modern history detective work uncovers the truth about the Achaemenid Persian Empire.

30 min · 2 Mar 2012
EPISODE 2

Questioning the Sources

Greek historians provide valuable information about the Persian Empire; the Greek perspective is often negatively biased; archaeology uncovers inscriptions, administrative tablets and other documents that let the Persians speak for themselves.

28 min · 2 Mar 2012
EPISODE 3

The World before Cyrus

The ancient world before the Persian Empire; in the centuries leading up to the Persian Empire, the Assyrians are the major international power; the Assyrian kingdom collapses; it leaves a power vacuum in the region; the stage set for new power.

32 min · 2 Mar 2012
EPISODE 4

Cyrus and Cambyses - Founders of the Empire

Cyrus, the first great king of the Persian Empire, expands the empire through pragmatic leadership; he uses local customs and traditions and thereby gains legitimacy over central Asia and Babylon; his son Cambyses expands the empire into Egypt.

29 min · 2 Mar 2012
EPISODE 5

Darius I - Creator of the Imperial System

Whether Darius, the son-in-law of Cyrus, is a legitimate king; After Cambyses dies, Darius establishes himself as an unwavering leader; Darius creates a royal genealogy and a Persian identity; he then turns to building infrastructure.

30 min · 2 Mar 2012
EPISODE 6

Persian Capitals and Royal Palaces

The five Persian capitals; Pasargadae, Ecbatana, Babylon, Susa and Persepolis; built in strategic, fortified locations, these cities are major symbols of power for the great kings; exploring the great hall at Persepolis, which holds 10,000 guests.

30 min · 2 Mar 2012

John W. I. Lee

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The Persian Empire

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