This is the land known by two names. The first is Persia. Ancient, mysterious, a place of adventure. Of mighty temples and places, built by powerful kings. A land of unimaginable beauty. The other is Iran. Isolated, proud, defiant.
The Persians can seem like a mystery at the edge of the western imagination in the Old Testament, or battling Alexander and the Romans in classical history. But the ripples of Persia’s art and language has travelled outwards throughout the world, transforming culture across Europe and Asia. If you think you know the Persians, think again.
Persia’s great kings built a vast empire, and the rich culture that became the envy of the ancient world. I will find out how they defeated no less than three Roman Emperors and how the Arab armies eventually conquered the Persians to build a new Islamic Empire.