This book opens a window onto the wealth and splendour of Persian society - its rich palaces, exquisite craftsmanship, and sophisticated learning.
Forgotten Empire traces the rise and fall of one of the ancient world's largest and richest empires: Persia's Achaeminid Empire, which flourished between 550 and 331 BC.
Showcasing an unprecedented loan of unique material from the National Museum of Tehran - most of which has never before been presented outside of Iran - this beautifully illustrated and produced book demonstrates why the sculpture, glazed panels, gold vessels, and jewellery of the Achaeminids rank among the finest ever produced.
Forgotten Empire is divided into sections such as the expansion of the Persian Empire, arms and warfare, trade and commerce, writing, luxury dinner services, jewellery, religious and burial customs, and the rediscovery of ancient Persia.
This paperback history title is ideal for readers, novist or expert, interested in Persia or the Ancient Near East.Forgotten Empire traces the rise and fall of one of the ancient world's largest and richest empires: Persia's Achaemenid Empire, which flourished between 550 and 331 BC.
Showcasing an unprecedented loan of unique material from the National Museum of Tehran - most of which has never before been presented outside of Iran - this beautifully illustrated book demonstrates why the sculpture, glazed panels, gold vessels, and jewellery of the Achaemenids rank among the finest ever produced.
Forgotten Empire is divided into sections such as the expansion of the Persian Empire, arms and warfare, trade and commerce, writing, luxury dinner services, jewellery, religious and burial customs, and the rediscovery of ancient Persia.
Lasting from about 321 to 185 BCE, the Maurya Empire was the first empire to cover most of the Indian subcontinent, with its capital at Pataliputra near modern-day Patna. It was established by Chandragupta Maurya, who was succeeded by his son Bindusara and later by Emperor Ashoka, also sometimes called Ashoka the Great.
From January, 929 to 1031, the city of Cordoba in Spain served as the capital of one of the most successful Islamic states in history, also known as the Caliphate of Cordoba. Established after the conquest of the Christian kingdoms in the region, it would grow to be one of the most successful states in the larger Islamic empire, with Cordoba serving as the center of arts and science across the Iberian peninsula.
The period is regarded as one of the golden ages of Spain, when libraries, colleges, and public schools were established throughout the territory to encourage academic learning. During this time, fields like science, architecture, and poetry flourished in Cordoba, making it one of the centers of education and scholarship in the larger Islamic empire. It was also a successful trading city, turning Spain into the most populous and prosperous country in Europe at the time.
The Xiongnu Empire was a nomadic empire that existed from the third century BC to the first century AD. It was primarily located in central Asia and stretched across much of the Eurasian Steppe, including present-day Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and parts of China and Russia. The Xiongnu Empire was established by various nomadic tribes, with the Xiongnu people emerging as the dominant force under their leader, Modu Chanyu, who gained power after killing his father in 209 BC.
The empire experienced many periods of prosperity and expansion during its reign. The Xiongnu were skilled horse riders and fierce warriors, enabling them to conquer vast territories and establish a network of tributary states across central Asia for more than 500 years. They controlled key trading hubs, facilitated cultural exchange, and engaged in diplomacy with neighboring powers, like the Han Dynasty of China. The Xiongnu Empire would have a significant impact on Chinese history, too, with frequent conflicts and alliances shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.
Tiwanaku was a pre-Columbian civilization that existed from approximately 400 to 900 AD in the southern Andes region of South America. It was mostly centered around the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, spanning parts of present-day Bolivia, Peru, and Chile. The empire was named after its capital city, Tiwanaku, and was responsible for the construction of impressive architectural structures and intricate stone carvings throughout the Andes region.
It was established by the Tiwanaku people, who created a centralized authority led by priests and nobles, along with an efficient system of administration. The empire experienced significant growth and influence throughout its existence, which helped spread its cultural and economic influence to neighboring societies. The Tiwanaku Empire emerged as a powerful state due to its strategic location along trading locations and its ability to harness agricultural productivity from known techniques. It was so impressive that at its peak, the terraced farms and fields of Tiwanaku could feed more than 60,000 people.
The Assyrian Empire existed as an ancient-Mesopotamian civilization from about 900 to 600 BC, primarily located in what is now northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey. The empire was established and expanded by a succession of powerful Assyrian rulers, including Tiglath-Pileser I, Ashurnasirpal II, and Sargon II.
During this period, the region under Assyrian control also became a center of trade and commerce, as it developed a sophisticated administrative and tax-collection system, legal codes, and a well-structured bureaucracy.
The Yuan Empire was the continuation of the Mongol empire in China, established after the Mongol defeat of the Song empire in 1271. It was located in East and Central Asia, including territories that are now part of modern-day China, Mongolia, and other neighboring regions.
During this period, China experienced an age of prosperity and cultural exchange due to international trade, particularly along the Silk Road, which connected East Asia with Europe and the Middle East. Sadly, it would be a short-lived empire, as the Yuan dynasty was overthrown in 1368 by a popular rebellion known as the Red Turban Movement.
From about 13th to 16th century BC, the Mali Empire was one of the richest and most prosperous kingdoms in the world. Established by King Sundiata Keita, it was located in what is now the republic of Mali in West Africa, with its influence extending to faraway regions in Africa and beyond.
The Kingdom of Kush was an ancient African, Nile Valley civilization that existed from approximately 1070 BC to 350 AD, making it one of the longest-living empires in history. It was located in the ancient region now known as Nubia, and comprised present-day Sudan and parts of Egypt. The kingdom was established by the Nubian people after gaining independence from Egypt, with its capital shifting between cities like Napata and Meroe throughout its history.
Throughout this period, the Nile region was known for its wealth, much of it derived from trade in gold, ivory, ebony, and other valuable resources from the region. The kingdom eventually adopted aspects of Egyptian culture and religion while also maintaining its unique Nubian identity.
The Khmer Empire was a powerful Hindu-Buddhist civilization in southeast Asia that existed from 802-1431 AD. It was mainly centered in present-day Cambodia, with its influence extending to parts of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
The Achaemenid Empire was known for many great innovations, including and especially its vast and interconnected network of roads. Many cities across the region grew to be sprawling metropolises, largely thanks to the efficient rule of a series of notable kings from the Achaemenid Dynasty. It would remain a stable, formidable power in Eurasia until 331 BC, when the empire was completely conquered by the armies of Alexander.
The Roman Empire. The Empire of Alexander the Great. The ancient Egyptians. These fallen civilisations are a fundamental part of our history, and they live in on our consciousness. But not all empires have attained such immortality. Some of the greatest of human civilisations are almost forgotten, whether it be our simple localised view of history, or a worldwide amnesia at work. Here I try to uncover the story of a few of them.
b1e95dc632