The First Persian Empire

06/23/24 • 60 min

1 Listener

For a little over 200 years, the First Persian Empire ruled over a vast expanse across three continents, making it arguably the world’s first great superpower. At its peak, it stretched from its base in Persia - roughly analogous to modern-day Iran, all the way to India in the East, incorporating swathes of Central Asia, Egypt, Libya and Iraq. It also conquered ancient powers such as Pharaonic Egypt, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Altogether, it ruled an area that now comprises some twenty nation-states.

But from where did it spring, and how did it establish such formidable power? Who were its leaders? And what led to its decline, completed with such ferocity by Alexander the Great?

This is a Short History Of... The First Persian Empire.

A Noiser production, written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Dr Christopher Farrell, assistant professor of Greek History and Culture at University College Dublin.

Get every episode of Short History Of a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material, and early access to shows across the Noiser network. Click the Noiser+ banner to get started. Or, if you’re on Spotify or Android, go to noiser.com/subscriptions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

But from where did it spring, and how did it establish such formidable power? Who were its leaders? And what led to its decline, completed with such ferocity by Alexander the Great?

This is a Short History Of... The First Persian Empire.

A Noiser production, written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Dr Christopher Farrell, assistant professor of Greek History and Culture at University College Dublin.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Previous Episode

The Dambusters

1 Recommendations

The top-secret Dambusters mission was one so crucial that British intelligence hoped it would hasten a triumph over Nazi Germany. But it was also highly dangerous, and required the 133 pilots to fly at high speed and exceptionally low altitudes, all in the dead of night. With only one bomb per plane, they had one shot at changing the course of the war.

So why did Britain feel the time was right to bomb Germany in such an audacious way? How effective was this campaign in bringing the war to a close? And how did the daring raid impact the lives of British people?

This is a Short History Of... The Dambusters.

A Noiser production, written by Fiona Ford. With thanks to Dr Robert Owen, the official historian of the No.617 Squadron Association, and lead author of ‘Dam busters: Failed to Return.’

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next Episode

Princess Diana

Princess Diana was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Not only was she married to the future King of England, she was also a fashion icon, a humanitarian, a devoted mother, and a role model for millions. However, her life was far from the fairytale she’d envisioned, and was instead marred by heartbreak and tragedy.

So how did a young, shy girl cope with such massive fame? Why did her marriage to Prince Charles break down so spectacularly? And how should we remember the ‘People’s Princess’ today?

This is a Short History Of... Princess Diana.

A Noiser Production, written by Nicole Edmunds. With thanks to Dr Tessa Dunlop, historian, author, and award-winning broadcaster.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices