The ancient Persians

The magic of myths

Part I. Meet the ancient Persians ; At the crossroads ; The glories of Persia ; Kings, nobles, and commoners ; The teachings of Zarathustra ; The sacred fire

Part II. Timeless tales of ancient Persia ; The origins of the world and humans: Ahura Mazda and the good creation ; Tales from the Shahnameh: the first earthly kings ; The golden age: Yima saves the world ; Good triumphs over evil: Zahhak the serpent king ; Mythical creatures: Rostam and his marvelous horse ; The founding of Zoroastrianism: the life of Zarathustra

Glossary

Ancient Persian writing and texts

To find out more

Selected bibliography

Notes on quotations

Index.