The Persians

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During the first and second millennia BCE, nomadic peoples migrated from Central Asia into the Eurasian periphery, with one group settling in an arid region south of the Caspian Sea. From these humble beginnings, they established one of history's most powerful empires: the Persian Empire. The authors, Geoffrey and Brenda Parker, narrate the fascinating story of this ancient civilization and its lasting legacy. They explore the unique aspects of Persian life and its influence over the centuries, detailing the environmental challenges faced by early Persians and how they cultivated a distinctive culture that led to the formation of the Achaemenid Empire. This empire extended its reach into the maritime west, engaging in significant geopolitical conflicts with the Greeks for control of the eastern Mediterranean. The authors vividly depict Persian cities and their remarkable achievements, such as extensive road networks, an impressive irrigation system that transformed arid landscapes into fertile paradises, and a rich tapestry of diverse peoples. This insightful history showcases an incomparable culture whose impact is still evident today in modern Iran and the broader Middle East.