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

Description

Traces the historic development of responses to the Achaemenids and their EmpireThe Greek’s view of Persia and the Persians changed radically throughout the archaic and classical period as the Persians turned from noble warriors to peacock-loving cross-dressers. This book traces 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. She offers unique insights into the role of Greek social elites and political communities in creating different representations of the Achaemenid Persians and their empire.Key Features:The interdisciplinary approach investigates cultural contact and cultural exchange to explore the Greek response to PersiaIncludes 74 illustrations