The Rise and Organisation of the Achaemenid Empire: The East

A study of the eastern part of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, which was founded around the middle of the sixth century BC by Cyrus the Great. Within 20 years the empire stretched from the Aegean coast in the west, to the Kabul valley in the east. How did the Persians manage to conquer such a vast area within such a short time? And how did they manage to preserve their empire for 200 years before being defeated by the military genius of Alexander of Macedon? The answer to these questions is sought in the chaotic years that preceded the rise of the Achaemenids. On the basis of geographical and general historical information, the Persian Achaemenid texts and reliefs, classical sources and archaeological material, this study draws attention to the nomads from the Central Asia steppes and deserts who throughout history have played a major role in the developments that took place on the Iranian Plateau and beyond.