1. Rethinking the Persian Empire

31m

Cyrus. Darius. Xerxes. These great Persian kings were sometimes stereotyped as one-dimensional despots in Greek histories. But through modern history detective work, you'll uncover the truth about the Achaemenid Persian Empire - an "empire of information" that stretched from Egypt and Asia Minor, through Mesopotamia and Iran, all the way to the Indus Valley.

2. Questioning the Sources

29m

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Explore how we've come to know the Persian Empire. Greek historians such as Herodotus provided valuable information, but the Greek perspective was often negatively biased. For a more balanced perspective, turn to archaeology, which has uncovered inscriptions, administrative tablets, and other documents that let the Persians speak for themselves.

3. The World before Cyrus

33m

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Take a tour of the ancient world before the Persian Empire. In the centuries leading up to the Persian Empire, the Assyrians were the major international power. When the Assyrian kingdom collapsed, it left a power vacuum in the region. Watch as the stage was set for a new power to seize the imperial mantle.

4. Cyrus and Cambyses - Founders of the Empire

30m

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Learn how Cyrus, the first great king of the Persian Empire, expanded the empire through pragmatic leadership. You'll see how he made use of local customs and traditions and thereby gained legitimacy over a wide territory - including central Asia and Babylon. His son Cambyses continued that method when he expanded the empire into Egypt.

5. Darius I - Creator of the Imperial System

30m

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Witness the first challenge to the new empire: Was Darius, the son-in-law of Cyrus, a legitimate king? After Cambyses died, and in the face of civil war, Darius established himself as a swift, decisive, unwavering leader. See how Darius created both a royal genealogy and a Persian identity, after which he turned to building infrastructure.

6. Persian Capitals and Royal Palaces

30m

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Step back and tour the five Persian capitals - Pasargadae, Ecbatana, Babylon, Susa, and Persepolis. Built in strategic, fortified locations, these cities were important symbols of power for the great kings. For instance, you'll encounter the great hall at Persepolis, which could hold 10,000 guests.

Persian Empire

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Persian Empire

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