Dive into the epic clash between the Sassanian Empire and the Byzantines, unraveling a war that shaped the fate of antiquity. Discover the romantic and political saga of Khusrow and Shireen, where love intertwines with power and faith. Explore the cultural echoes from this turbulent period, highlighting influences from poetry to cinema. The narrative extends into the legacy of Shireen against modern political struggles, culminating in the rise of Heraclius and setting the stage for a new era with the emergence of Islam.
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Tsunami Escape
William Dalrymple's family avoided the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami by changing their travel plans.
They accepted an invitation to a Parsi coming-of-age ceremony in Bombay.
insights INSIGHT
Superpowers of Late Antiquity
The Byzantines and Sasanian Persians were the two superpowers of late antiquity.
Their frequent wars and periods of peace shaped the era.
insights INSIGHT
Late Antiquity's Transformation
Late antiquity was a period of societal decay and religious fervor.
Monks and hermits preserved classical texts while engaging in extreme ascetic practices.
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This timeless story by Nizami Ganjavi tells the tragic love tale of Qays ibn al-Mulawwah (Majnun) and Layla, highlighting their enduring love despite societal obstacles and personal sacrifices. The narrative delves into themes of unrequited love, spiritual devotion, and the transcendence of physical desire.
Khamsa of Nizami
Panj Ganj (The Five Treasures)
Nizami Ganjavi
The Khamsa of Nizami is a quintessential work of Persian literature, comprising five poems: Makhzan al-Asrar, Khosrow and Shirin, Layla and Majnun, Haft Peykar, and Eskandarnameh. These poems blend elements of mysticism, romance, and epic storytelling, showcasing Nizami's mastery of language and narrative. The collection is a synthesis of Persian literary traditions, enriched with contemporary mysticism and humanistic themes.
From the Holy Mountain
A Journey Among the Christians of the Middle East
William Dalrymple
In this book, William Dalrymple follows the route taken by John Moschos and his pupil Sophronius in 587 AD, visiting holy places and monasteries across the Byzantine world. Dalrymple's journey takes him through Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt, where he encounters the last remaining Christian communities in these regions. The book delves into the history and current state of Eastern Christianity, highlighting the complex relationships between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity in the Middle East. Dalrymple's account is marked by his vivid descriptions, historical insights, and a deep sense of empathy for the communities he encounters.
Shahnameh
The Persian Book of Kings
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Ferdowsi)
The Shahnameh, composed by Ferdowsi between 980 and 1010 AD, is the world's longest epic poem created by a single poet. It narrates the history of the ancient kings of Iran, divided into three cycles: the mythical past, the time of legendary heroes, and the recorded histories. The poem consists of over 50,000 rhyming couplets and includes stories of heroic kings, legendary heroes, and encounters with various mythical creatures. It is a central work in Persian literature, emphasizing themes such as justice, legitimacy, and divine glory[1][2][5].
Eurasia is divided into two great superpowers. Khusrow II rules the Sassanian Empire. Maurice, the last of the Justinian dynasty, rules their mighty rivals, the Byzantines. When he is overthrown, Khusrow looks to capitalise upon the chaos, invades his neighbour, and begins to sweep through Byzantine territory. The clash that follows over the next 30 years consumes the two empires and leads to the end of antiquity. Listen as William and Anita discuss this titanic war for the world.
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