Art of Ancient Persia
Embark on a captivating journey through the artistry of the Persian Empire with our curated reading list, which offers a profound exploration of its rich artistic heritage.
Delve into the opulent world of Persian art, characterized by its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism. Discover the majestic architecture of Persepolis and Pasargadae, the exquisite craftsmanship of Achaemenid metalwork and jewelry, and the captivating beauty of Persian miniature paintings. From the grandeur of royal palaces to the intimacy of illuminated manuscripts, these scholarly works by experts such as Nylander, Root, and Garrison offer invaluable insights into the diverse forms and cultural significance of Persian art. Whether you’re fascinated by the fusion of artistic traditions within the empire or the ideological underpinnings of royal imagery, our reading list provides a comprehensive exploration of the art of the Persian Empire, inviting readers to unravel its aesthetic allure and historical significance.
General
- Briant, P., From Cyrus to Alexander: a history of the Persian Empire, Winona Lake IN, 2002, Ch 5.
- Cool Root, M., The king and kingship in Achaemenid art: essays on the creation of an iconography of empire, Leiden, 1979.
- Wiesehofer, J. & Azodi, A., Ancient Persia: from 550 BC to 650 AD, London, 2001, 21-28.
Further Reading
- Boucharlat, R., ‘Susa under Achaemenid Rule’ in Mesopotamia and Iran in the Persian period: conquest and imperialism, 539-331 BC : proceedings of a seminar in memory of Vladimir G. Lukonin, London, 1997, 54-67.
- Collon, G., The Palace of Darius at Susa: the great royal residence of Achaemenid Persia, London, 2013.
- Garrison, M., ‘Royal Achaemenid iconography’ in The Oxford handbook of ancient Iran, Oxford, 2013.
- Nylander, C., Ionians in Pasargadae: Studies in Old Persian Architecture, Uppsala, 1970.
- Nylander, C., ‘Achaemenid imperial art’ in Power and propaganda : a symposium on ancient empires, Copenhagen 1979, 345-359.
- Roaf, M., Sculptures and sculptors at Persopolis, London, 1983.
- Root, M.C., ‘Circles of Artistic Programming: Strategies for studying creative process at Persepolis’ in Investigating artistic environments in the ancient Near East, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Smithsonian Institution), 1951, 115-139.
- Root, M.C, ‘The Parthenon Frieze and the Apadana Reliefs at Persepolis: Reassessing a Programmatic Relationship’ in American Journal of Archaeology 89, 1985, 103-120.
- Root, M.C., ‘From the heart: powerful persianisms in the art of the western empire’ in Achaemenid history: 6: Asia Minor and Egypt : old cultures in a new empire : proceedings of the Groningen 1988 Achaemenid history workshop, Leiden, 1991, 1-29.
- Stronach, D., ‘The tomb of Cyrus’ in Pasargadae, Oxford, 1978, 24-43.
- Stronach, D., ‘Icons of dominion: review scenes at Til Barsip and Persepolis’ in Iranica Antiqua 37, 2002, 373-402.
