Ctesias' 'History of Persia' Tales of the Orient [Paperback]

Towards the end of the fifth century BC Ctesias of Cnidus wrote his 23 book History of Persia. Ctesias is a remarkable figure: he lived and worked in the Persian court and, as a doctor, tended to the worlds most powerful kings and queens. His position gave him special insight into the workings of Persian court life and access to the gossip and scandal surrounding Persian history and court politics, past and present. His History of Persiawas completed at a time when the Greeks were fascinated by Persia and seems very much to cater to contemporary interest in Persian wealth and opulence, powerful Persian women, the institution of the harem, kings and queens, eunuchs and secret plots.

Presented here in English translation for the first time with commentaries, Ctesiasoffers a fascinating insight into Persia in the fifth century BC.

Outline of the History of Persia  Ctesias History of Persia  Translators Preface Testimonia on the Life and Work of Ctesias  Fragments of Ctesias History of Persia  Appendices: Glossary of Authors  The Persian Royal Family of the Persica  Maps  Illustrations  Bibliography