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.CREDITSVoice actors: Michael HajiantonisLachlan LucasAlexandra BoultonSimon JacksonTom Marshall-LeeChris HarveyJack JacobsNick DentonAmrit SandhuMatt BidulphPaul CasselleTim StephensonAmeen TaherReadings in Old Persian were performed byIn Spanish by Scott FinsAnd readings in Greek were performed by Dimitris ChavresSinging of the Zoroastrian gathas was performed by ArdalanThe Theme music is Home at Last by John BartmannSound design was by Alexey SibikinHistorical advisor was Dr. Mateen.M. Arghandehpour at the University of OxfordFull list of sources available here: