
The Persian Empire was the world's first hyperpower, with territory stretching from Central Asia to Northeastern Africa and from Southeastern Europe to the Indus Valley. It was the dominant geopolitical force from the later sixth century to its conquest by Alexander in the 330s BCE. Much of the empire's territory was conquered by its founder, Cyrus the Great, who reigned from 559-530 BCE. Cyrus became a legend in his own lifetime, and his career inspired keen interest from Persia's unruly neighbors to the west, the ancient Greeks. The idealized portrait of Cyrus by the Greek Xenophon had a profound impact on ancient, medieval, and early modern debates about rulership. King of the World provides an authoritative and accessible account of Cyrus the Great's life, career, and legacy. While Greek sources remain central to any narrative about Cyrus, a wealth of primary evidence is found in the ancient Near East, including documentary, archaeological, art historical, and biblical material. Matt Waters draws from all of these sources while consistently contextualizing them in order to provide a cohesive understanding of Cyrus the Great. This overview addresses issues of interpretation and reconciles limited material, while the narrative keeps Cyrus the Great's compelling career at the forefront. Cyrus' legacy is enormous and not fully appreciated— King of the World takes readers on a journey that reveals his powerful impact and preserves his story for future generations.
This book investigates the life, career, and enduring historical legacy of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. Matt Waters, a scholar of ancient history, synthesizes a diverse range of evidence to construct a comprehensive biography. By moving beyond the traditional reliance on Greek accounts, the author integrates archaeological, documentary, and biblical sources to provide a balanced perspective on the Achaemenid ruler's geopolitical impact and administrative strategies.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts recognize this work as a balanced and accessible synthesis that successfully reconciles disparate historical records. Readers frequently note that the prose remains clear and scholarly, making it a useful resource for both students and those interested in ancient history.
Page Count:
271
Publication Date:
2022-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190927194
ISBN-13:
9780190927196
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