Kings, Queens and Courts: The Persian Empires
A rapid journey through the rise, splendor, and legacy of the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian dynasties, focusing on their rulers, palaces, regalia and iconic reigns.
Chapters
- 0:07 Foundations of Empire
- 0:50 Royal Power and Regalia
- 2:18 Parthian and Sasanian Continuities
- 3:20 Legacy and Influence
On-screen text
- 0:07 Foundations of Empire
- 0:23 Darius’s victory and empire map Historical record · Behistun Inscription (Darius I)
- 0:41 Tribute system recorded on tablets Historical record · Persepolis Fortification Tablets (1930s excavation)
- 0:50 Royal Power and Regalia
- 1:06 Royal tiara and collar of Achaemenid kings The Institute's interpretation · M. L. Bierbrier, “Royal Iconography of the Achaemenid Empire” (1998)
- 1:24 Darius receives tribute at Naqsh-e Rustam Historical record · Reliefs at Naqsh‑e Rustam (Achaemenid tombs)
- 1:33 The Immortals, 10,000 elite guard Historical record · Herodotus, Histories 7.150
- 1:51 Audience in Apadana hall The Institute's interpretation · J. Curtis, “Court Rituals in the Achaemenid Empire” (2010)
- 2:09 King’s archery in tradition Tradition / scripture · Bundahishn (Zoroastrian tradition)
- 2:18 Parthian and Sasanian Continuities
- 2:35 Shapur I with captive Valerian Historical record · Taq‑e Bostan rock reliefs (Sasanian era)
- 2:53 Shapur’s victories and canal projects Historical record · Shapur I’s inscription at Ka'ba‑ye Zartosht (Sasanian inscription)
- 3:11 Sasanian royal pointed boots The Institute's interpretation · R. N. Frye, “The Heritage of Persia” (1975)
- 3:20 Legacy and Influence
- 3:27 Hellespont, c. 480 BC
- 3:35 Xerxes I orders pontoon bridge (Herodotus 7.24) Historical record · Herodotus, Histories 7.24
- 3:44 Envoys received in grand hall (Cassius Dio 62.22) Historical record · Cassius Dio, Roman History 62.22
- 4:00 Golden throne platform (Herodotus 3.89) Historical record · Herodotus, Histories 3.89
Sources
Historical record: Cyrus Cylinder (British Museum) · Behistun Inscription (Darius I) · Persepolis Fortification Tablets (1930s excavation) · Darius I’s tax tablets from Persepolis (c. 500 BCE) · Reliefs at Naqsh‑e Rustam (Achaemenid tombs) · Herodotus, Histories 7.150 · Parthian silver drachm of Mithridates I (British Museum) · Taq‑e Bostan rock reliefs (Sasanian era) · Shapur I’s inscription at Ka'ba‑ye Zartosht (Sasanian inscription) · Sasanian silver drachm of Khosrow I (British Museum) · Herodotus, Histories 7.24 · Cassius Dio, Roman History 62.22 · Herodotus, Histories 3.89
Tradition / scripture: Bundahishn (Zoroastrian tradition)
The Institute's interpretation: M. L. Bierbrier, “Royal Iconography of the Achaemenid Empire” (1998) · J. Curtis, “Court Rituals in the Achaemenid Empire” (2010) · J. D. Grainger, “Achaemenid and Parthian Military” (2006) · R. N. Frye, “The Heritage of Persia” (1975)
Sound: synthesized ambient (wind, drone, water) (CC0 — made by SoapBox). Made in 143 s of CPU.
Scenes Hathor has no parts for yet (18) — the next things to make
- A scribe inscribes the cylinder in a courtyard of Pasargadae while officials bring offerings.
- Foundations of Empire: Show how Cyrus and Darius built the administrative and ideological base of the Achaemenid world.
- A scribe inscribes the cylinder in a courtyard of Pasargadae while officials bring offerings.
- A scribe inscribes the cylinder in a courtyard of Pasargadae while officials bring offerings.
- Tablets spread on a wooden desk as officials tally silver bars, grain sacks, and textiles.
- Tablets spread on a wooden desk as officials tally silver bars, grain sacks, and textiles.
- Royal Power and Regalia: Illustrate the visual symbols of authority and the ceremonial life of the Persian court.
- A formation of white‑robed infantry marching in perfect order before the king.
- Close‑up of a silver drachm being examined by a merchant at a market stall.
- Close‑up of a silver drachm being examined by a merchant at a market stall.
- Close‑up of a silver drachm being examined by a merchant at a market stall.
- Armored horsemen charge across a steppe battlefield, lances gleaming.
- Armored horsemen charge across a steppe battlefield, lances gleaming.
- Close‑up of the silver coin being turned in a merchant’s hand.
- Close‑up of the silver coin being turned in a merchant’s hand.
- Completed bridge spans the strait; troops march across, sunlight glittering on the water and wooden platforms.
- Close‑up of the golden wall; artisans polish the metal as sunlight creates a dazzling halo around the throne.
- Night view of a city with illuminated arches and golden hues, reminiscent of Achaemenid architectural motifs.