The World of Achaemenid Persia

Early registration is advised. The conference is expected to be oversubscribed.

The British Museum and the Iran Heritage Foundation
in association with
The Persian Cultural Foundation

The Soudavar Memorial Foundation

John Curtis, Sam Moorhead, St John Simpson, Nigel Tallis.

This conference coincides with the exhibition Forgotten Empire: the World of Ancient Persia, which is on display at the British Museum (9 September 2005 - 8 January 2006). Prior to Alexander's conquest, the Persian Empire was the mightiest the Middle East had yet seen. Ranging from Egypt in the west to Pakistan in the east, the main seat of power was at Persepolis in the heart of southern Iran. Sculptures illustrate the pre-eminence of the enthroned Great King, surrounded by his Court and supported by representatives of the far-flung provinces. Depictions and actual finds demonstrate the empire-wide circulation of high-status objects, including gold and silver vessels, furniture and inlaid jewellery made within a so-called 'Achaemenid Court Style'. This was also a period of improved communications with a Royal Road system and an early version of the Suez canal linking the river Nile with the Red Sea. Religious realpolitik allowed the Persian rulers to tolerate local religious diversity and the 'Cyrus Cylinder' is therefore sometimes regarded as a charter of human rights. These and many other aspects of the Achaemenid Empire will be explored in this conference which has attracted over fifty international speakers.

Full rate: 100 GBP
Concession: 80 GBP
Students: 40 GBP
Fee covers: All conference sessions, evening reception on 29 September, lunch, morning and afternoon tea/coffee on all three conference days. Concession rate for BM Friends, senior citizens, those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Invalid Care Allowance. Student rates for full time registered students. Concession and student rates subject to proof of status. Registration fee is not refundable.