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

By Janett Morgan

Edinburgh University Press, 2016

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.

Table of contents :
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Note on Abbreviations and Style
Series Editor’s Preface
Maps
Introduction: Perspectives, Looking Glasses and the Achaemenid Empire
1 Journeys of the Mind: Greek Perspectives on the ‘East’ before the Achaemenid Empire
2 Journeys through the Looking Glass: Early Perspectives on the Achaemenid Empire
3 Facing the Gorgon: Reactions to the Achaemenid Empire in Classical Athens
4 What the Butler Saw: Intimate Perspectives on King and Court in Classical Ionian Texts
5 The Mirror Cracked: Spartan Responses to the ‘East’ and to the Achaemenid Empire
6 Entering the Hall of Mirrors: Macedonia and the Achaemenid Empire
Conclusion: Travelling with Eunuchs
Bibliography
Index