The Rest Is History 41. Persia
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Apr 8, 2021 
Join Professor Ali Ansari, an expert in Persian history from St. Andrews University, as he dives deep into the rich legacy of ancient Persia. Discover the civilization's invaluable contributions to Western culture and concepts like duality in religion, rooted in Zoroastrianism. Ansari sheds light on influential figures like Cyrus the Great and the resilience of Persian identity despite political upheaval. The discussion also touches on Persia’s advanced irrigation systems and cultural nuances that shaped the modern world.
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Persia's Underrated Influence
- Persia's immense historical influence is often overlooked in the West, especially after the 1979 revolution.
- The more Tom Holland studies antiquity, the more he realizes Persia's profound impact, acting as a hidden source for many aspects of Western civilization.
Iran vs. Persia
- "Iran" is the name used by indigenous people for the country, territory, and culture, while "Persia" is a Greek-Roman term.
- Professor Ali Ansari emphasizes that Iran and Persia are the same, contrary to common misconceptions.
Persia's Ancient Empires
- Persia, situated on a plateau, predates the Arabs in the Middle East with three major empires: Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sasanian.
- The Sasanian dynasty solidified Iran's identity and territorial definition, potentially making it the first territorially defined political unit with historical continuity.