The Persian empire

the long version

"Beginning with a brief introduction to the period, the author survey the Near Eastern context for the emergence of Persian power. She draws on both Classical and Near Eastern evidence to explain the diversity of available source material and trace the development of the dynasty. She supplements the historical framework with descriptions of the royal palaces and luxury court culture characteristic of Persian rule, as well as accounts of the mechanics of administration within the empire. The book closes by placing Alexander's invasion in a Persian context and showing the transformation and rediscovery of the heritage of ancient Persia over the next two millennia."--BOOK JACKET.