Art historians and art lovers will find this book to be a unique resource on a fascinating time in history; a time that yielded remarkable artistic and architectural treasures. This wide-ranging book explores the art of Persia prior to the emergence of Islam through exceptional photographs and an authoritative text. This spectacularly illustrated volume reaches back to prehistoric times to provide an overview of the main cultures that developed in this ancient area of the Middle East. In addition to strictly Iranian sites, it spotlights sites built in Mesopotamia, eastern Anatolia, and along the upper Euphrates. From the ceramics of northern Iran to the magnificent palaces of Persepolis, and from the adventures of Alexander the Great to the military power and art of the Sassanians, "Ancient Persia" explores the artistic and historical legacy of this fascinating region. Superb photographs, accompanied by the informative text of Henri Stierlin, depict the varied architecture and artistic treasures to come out of this era, which ended in the mid-7th century A.D. This wide-ranging book explores the art of Persia prior to the emergence of Islam. It features superb photographs, accompanied by the informative text