Greek Perspectives on the Achaemenid Empire: Persia Through the Looking Glass

Description

How did the Greek view of Persia and Persians change so radically in the archaic and classical Greek sources that they turned from noble warriors into peacock-loving cross-dressers with murderous mothers? This book looks at the development of a range of responses to the Achaemenids and their Empire. Through a study of ancient texts and material evidence from the archaic and classical periods, Janett Morgan investigates the historical, political and social factors that inspired and manipulated different identities for Persia and the Persians within Greece. Contents List of Illustrations Acknowledgements Note on Abbreviations and Style Series Editor’s Preface Maps Introduction: Perspectives, Looking Glasses and the Achaemenid Empire 1 Journeys of the Mind: Greek Perspectives on the ‘East’ before the Achaemenid Empire 2 Journeys through the Looking Glass: Early Perspectives on the Achaemenid Empire 3 Facing the Gorgon: Reactions to the Achaemenid Empire in Classical Athens 4 What the Butler Saw: Intimate Perspectives on King and Court in Classical Ionian Texts 5 The Mirror Crack’d: Spartan Responses to the ‘East’ and to the Achaemenid Empire 6 Entering the Hall of Mirrors: Macedonia and the Achaemenid Empire Conclusion: Travelling with Eunuchs Bibliography Index