Educational Media Reviews Online

This two disc set is an excellent way to introduce the historical development of civilization in the southern region of what is now present day Iran. Perhaps a more appropriate title to the documentary would have been Persia – Iran’s Forgotten Glory. Regardless the title name, this is a well shot documentary. According to the film documentation it was shot over a five year period in the Fars province area of present day Iran.

The director takes us on a journey that traces the glorious ancient empire of the Achaemenid’s (Disc 1) to the rise and fall of what some have called an even more glorious empire of the Sassanid’s (Disc 2). Within this context we see the development of Persian art form, the religious influence of Zoroastrianism, and the effects of such leaders as Cyrus the Great on both democracy and other forms of government. In following the line of rulers we see for perhaps the first time an insider’s discussion of the deeds, successes and achievements of Darius, Xerxes of the Achaemenids, and Ardesher, Shapur, and Khosro Anushirvan of the Sassanids.

Art and architecture are uncovered for the viewer as we travel the ancient cities of Persa (Persepolis in the Greek), Pasargadae, Firuzabad, and Darab, and the Valley of the Kings. Amazing reliefs, carvings and structures are brought before your eyes as we travel to parts of the world that most westerners will consider as never before accessible to their view.

For those interested in religion we see the influences of Zoroastrianism and beliefs of good vs. evil. We find that the influence of Islam on what is present day Iran is not domestic, but is rather the direct influence of being conquered by the Arabs.

Whether your interest is religion, culture, art, architecture, government, or all five I believe you will find this a very intriguing, and interesting documentary. It is well shot and offers many extra ordinary views of an ancient world with many splendid archeological locations. Sound quality is very good and is accompanied by good background music and effects.

This video is most enjoyable.