The Iranian Expanse : Transforming Royal Identity through Architecture, Landscape, and the Built Environment, 550 BCE-642 CE

University of California Press

Explore the transformation of royal identity in the ancient Iranian world through the strategic use of architecture, landscape, and the built environment in "The Iranian Expanse." This comprehensive study by Matthew P. Canepa covers over a thousand years, from the Achaemenid period to the arrival of Islam, revealing how Iranian identities were not just shaped by royal discourse but actively constructed through changes in cities, sanctuaries, palaces, and landscapes across Western Asia. The book critically examines the creation of a new Iranian royal identity and empire, detailing innovations after Alexander the Great under various dynasties and highlighting the enduring influence on early Islam and the wider Persianate world. Key Features: - Covers over 1000 years of Iranian history (550 BCE-642 CE) - Analyzes the role of architecture and landscape in shaping royal identity - Explores the period after Alexander the Great, including the Seleucids, Arsacids, Kushans, and Sasanians - Discusses the cultural impact on early Islam and subsequent Persianate empires Product Summary: The Iranian Expanse, University of California Press, Paperback, 512 pages, English version, ISBN 9780520379206.