Sylabus
Sylabus
1) Introduction, geography, history of research, literary sources
2) History of the Achaemenid Empire
3) Architecture
4) Ancient cities I (Persepolis, Pasargadae, Susa, Ecbatana, Sardis)
5) Ancient cities II (smaller significant sites, case studies)
6) Achaemenid court
7) (Persepolitan) archives, trade
8) Coins, monetary system
9) Trade routes, Royal Persian road
10) Small scale art I
11) Small scale art II
12) Warfare, weapons, conquests
13) Achaemenids and the subjugated peoples - Greeks, Egyptians, Assyrians, Medes, Sakas
Anotace
The main aim of the course is to convey general knowledge about significant period in Persian history – that of
Achaemenid Empire. It will focus on its history, art and archaeology. Dynasty of Achaemenid kings ruled in ancient
Iran between 559 and 331 BC, and gradually took control over a vast territory stretching from the borders of India to the southern Egypt and southwestern part of Balkan Peninsula, to form one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. Its heartland was located in the south-western Iran, where remains of monumental buildings and stone reliefs are still standing, reminding us of a former greatness of the Achaemenid Empire.
Students will learn not only about the history of Achaemenid Empire and its rulers, but attention will be also paid to important sites in the heartland of the Empire such as Pasargadae and Persepolis, and the most important centres throughout the Empire (Susa, Sardis, Babylon). Sites on the “outskirts” of the Empire (Uzbekistan, Georgia and
Anatolia) will be introduced as well. Lectures on material culture and art will be followed by those on various aspects of life at Achaemenid royal court. Economy, trade and trade routes will also be explored. The course will conclude with elaboration on relationship of the Achaemenid rule and subjugated nations especially in their material culture.