Freya Stark - Part 4 - Treasure Hunting in Luristan
Feb 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Explorer and author Freya Stark ventures into western Persia on a treasure hunt for bronze relics in Luristan. She faces obstacles, encounters looted grave sites, engages with locals, and navigates dangerous mountains. Stark's triumphs and personal struggles are also explored, shedding light on her adventurous life.
Freya Stark's expeditions in Luristan were driven by the quest for valuable bronze relics from ancient graves.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Stark's adventures in search of hidden treasure in Persia led to newfound fame.
Deep dives
Stark's expedition into Louristan
Stark ventures into Louristan, a rugged and dangerous region of western Persia. She is driven by the allure of Louristan bronzes, valuable relics that are believed to come from ancient graves in the area. Stark faces challenges from both the treacherous terrain and tensions caused by a recent civil war. Despite warnings from skeptics, Stark relies on her previous successful travel methods and local connections to navigate through Louristan in search of the bronzes.
Stark's failed treasure hunt
Enticed by a tale of hidden treasure, Stark embarks on a treasure hunt in Persia. Following a map and accompanied by a teenage guide named Hassan, she sets off to find a cave filled with 20 chests of treasure. However, her search proves fruitless as she fails to locate the treasure cave. Along the way, she encounters bandits and faces suspicions from police authorities. Despite the disappointment, Stark returns to Baghdad with fascinating tales and newfound fame.
Stark's rise to celebrity
Stark's remarkable adventures and growing reputation as an explorer capture the public's attention. She returns to London, where she receives an award from the Royal Geographical Society and delivers popular lectures about her travels. Stark's first book, 'The Valleys of the Assassins', is published and becomes a huge success, making her a worldwide star. She cultivates relationships with important figures like Sidney Cockrell and publisher John Murray, further enhancing her status as an expert on the Middle East.
Stark's personal struggles and disappointments
Despite her triumphs, Stark faces personal challenges and disappointments. She undergoes cosmetic surgery to address the physical scars from a childhood accident, but also struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt about her appearance. Additionally, Stark's unrequited love for British officer Vivian Holt leads to bitterness and a sense of wasted time. However, she remains resilient and continues to pursue her passion for exploration and writing.
In this episode we follow Freya Stark on two expeditions into Luristan - which is western Persia. She will go into these wild and unexplored regions in search of bronze relics and treasure. We also cover the publication of Stark's first book, The Valleys of the Assassins: and Other Persian Travels.
The Explorers Podcast is part of the Airwave Media Network: www.airwavemedia.com
Interested in advertising on the Explorers Podcast? Email us at advertising@airwavemedia.com