This introduction provides a systematic overview of the history of the Achaemenid-Persian Empire, also widely known as the ‘Persian Empire’. It was the first imperial formation of antiquity to succeed in establishing an impressive apparatus of rule through extensive conquests, stretching from India to Greece and from Ethiopia to Central Asia. This empire set the stage for numerous colorful personalities of the ancient world, including Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes and Alexander III (the Great). In addition, the empire set in motion developments that exerted great influence on the world of Afro-Eurasia and whose dynamics were significant even in the period after its decline. In particular, the empire’s conflicts with the Greeks resonated strongly in ancient historiography and their presentation continues to be a point of reference in the collective memory of modern European societies. Due to the enormous geographical extent of this great empire, which exercised dominion over a multitude of cultures, the study of its history is the subject of interdisciplinary research. This introduction brings together contributions from international specialists from various disciplines who provide in-depth insights into numerous aspects of the history of the Achaemenid-Persian empire from different perspectives.

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