Böcker i Edinburgh Studies in Ancient Persia-serien

Examines Zoroastrian exegesis by investigating a late antique translation of an ancient Iranian textChallenges the view that considers the study of the Zand an auxiliary science to Avestan studiesViews the Zand of the YH as a text in its own right and investigates it within the wider Pahlavi leiteratureConsiders the so-called glosses in the Zand for the first time as an integral part of the textOffers a variorum edition of the Middle Persian text, refusing to establish an UrtextIn late antiquity, Zoroastrian exegetes set out to translate their ancient canonical texts into Middle Persian, the vernacular of their time. Although undated, these translations, commonly known as the Zand, are often associated with the Sasanian era (224-651 ce). Despite the many challenges the Zand offers to us today, it is indispensable for investigations of late antique exegesis of the Avesta, a collection of religious and ritual texts commonly regarded as the Zoroastrians' scripture.Arash Zeini also offers a fresh edition of the Middle Persian version of the Avestan Yasna HaptaA hA iti, a ritual text composed in the Old Iranian language of Avestan, commonly dated to the middle of the second millennium bce. Zeini challenges the view that considers the Zand's study an auxiliary science to Avestan studies, framing the text instead within the exegetical context from which it emerged.

This book addresses two historical mysteries. The first is the content and character of the fourth century BCE Greek works called the Persica. The second is the method of work of the second century CE biographer Plutarch of Chaeronea who used these works to compose his biographies.

Rolf Strootman brings together various aspects of court culture in the Macedonian empires of the post-Achaemenid Near East.

There are only a few detailed histories of Persia from Ancient Greek historiography that have survived time. Diodorus of Sicily, a first century BC author, is the only one to have written a comprehensive history in which more than cursory attention is paid to Persia.

This book examines the multifarious ways in which the emergence of a modern culture of portability prompts a radical, if often problematic, departure from Victorian architectural conceptions of fiction towards more movable understandings of form and character.

Investigates the historical, political and social factors that inspired and manipulated different identities for Persia and the Persians within Greece. This book offers insights into the role of Greek social elites and political communities in creating different representations of the Achaemenid Persians and their Empire.

Khodadad Rezakhani tells the back story of this rise to prominence, the story of the famed Kushans and mysterious Asian Huns and their role in shaping both the Sasanian Empire and the rest of the Middle East.

The Sasanian Empire was one of the largest empires of antiquity, stretching from Mesopotamia to modern Pakistan. This book explores key phenomena which contributed to its wealth and power, from the empire's armed forces to agriculture, trade and treatment of minorities. The latest discoveries feature prominently.

Showcases the impact which Achaemenid and Hellenistic rule had on Bactria and Bactrian identity during the period from ca 546 to ca 135 BCE. This title focuses on the relation of Bactria and the Bactrians with Sodgiana, the Sogdians and the Scythians. It includes in depth analysis of the connection between Bactria and the Zoroastrian faith.