In the highlands of the Iranian Plateau, a collection of enormous pillars reach up to the sky...

In this episode, we tell the story of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Find out how this remarkable ancient power sprung up from the rubble of a ruined world to become the most powerful human society on earth. Hear how they raised their grand palaces and monuments, and brought an unprecedented number of people together within their borders, as well as coming into conflict and cooperation with other ancient peoples. And finally find out what happened to bring the palaces of the Persian kings crashing down in fire and flame.

CREDITS

Voice actors:

Henry Stenhouse Michael Hajiantonis

Lachlan Lucas

Alexandra Boulton

Simon Jackson

Tom Marshall-Lee

Chris Harvey

Jack Jacobs

Nick Denton

Amrit Sandhu

Paul Casselle

Tim Stephenson

Ameen Taher

Readings in Old Persian were performed by Mateen Arghandepour

In Spanish by Scott Fins

And readings in Greek were performed by Dimitris Chavres

Singing of the Zoroastrian gathas was performed by Ardalan

The Theme music is Home at Last by John Bartmann

Sound design was by Alexey Sibikin

Historical advisor was Dr. Mateen.M. Arghandehpour at the University of Oxford

Full list of sources available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/145588047