Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Women in Ancient Persia

Embark on a captivating exploration of the lives and roles of women in ancient Persia with our curated reading list, offering a nuanced perspective on their experiences, contributions, and societal significance.

Delve into the works of esteemed scholars such as Brosius, Llewellyn-Jones, and Briant, whose meticulous research sheds light on the diverse roles and representations of women in Persian society, from queens and royal consorts to priestesses, artisans, and ordinary citizens. Explore themes of power, agency, and identity through the lens of royal inscriptions, legal documents, and literary sources, uncovering the complex interplay of gender, class, and cultural norms in shaping women’s lives. From the legendary queens such as Esther and Atossa to the everyday experiences of women in the household and community, our reading list offers a comprehensive overview of the rich tapestry of women’s experiences in ancient Persia. Whether you’re a scholar, student, or history enthusiast, our curated selection of texts invites you to deepen your understanding of this often overlooked aspect of ancient history and appreciate the enduring legacy of Persian women in shaping their society and culture.

General

  • Briant, P., From Cyrus to Alexander: a history of the Persian Empire, Winona Lake IN, 2002, 277-286.
  • Brosius, M., Women in ancient Persia, 559-331 BC, Oxford, 1996.
  • Wiesehofer, J. & Azodi, A., Ancient Persia: from 550 BC to 650 AD, London, 2001, 79-88.

Further Reading

  • Bigwood, J.M., ‘Incestuous marriage in Achaemenid Iran’ in Klio: Beiträge zur alten Geschichte 91, Berlin, 2009, 311-341.
  • Brosius, M., ‘New out of old? Court and court ceremonies in Achaemenid Persia’ in The court and court society in ancient monarchies, Cambridge, 2007, 17-57.
  • Brosius, M., ‘Women (i). In Pre-Islamic Iran’ in Encyclopaedia Iranica, London, 2010.
  • Henkelman, W., Kuhrt, A. & Sancisi-Weerdenburg, H., Achaemenid history: essays in memory of Heleen Sancisi-Weerdenburg, 13: A Persian perspective, Leiden, 2003, 9-32.
  • Llewellyn-Jones, L., ‘Eunuchs and the royal harem’ in Eunuchs in antiquity and beyond, London, 2002, 19-49.
  • Llewellyn-Jones, L., King and court in ancient Persia 559 to 331 BCE, Edinburgh, 2013.
  • Shapur Shahbazi, A., ‘Harem i. In ancient Iran’ in Encyclopaedia Iranica, London, 2012.