An introduction

 

I have joined this forum purely to broaden my knowledge of the Persian/Iranian Empire.  I have always been interested in ancient history, and I will confess here and now that my area of greatest knowledge lies in the Roman era - late Republic/early Principate.  But I have always been fascinated by the Persian empire, from Cyrus right the way through to Darius III.  I have no deep knowledge of the period but am willing to learn.  There is something almost magical about this period and culture for me.  If I am being hopelessly romantic, please feel free to say so, but I would hope that you would help me gain a greater knowledge of the ancient Persians, to at least equal my knowledge of the Romans and even beyond. 

 

Another thing I wish to do is to learn about the Persians from their own perspective.  For instance, Iknow very well that to call Cyrus 'Cyrus' is wrong, as this is a Hellenized form of his name.  I would be grateful if everyone on the Forum could educate me as to the correct terms/names etc.  As a keen amateur historian myself, I do insist on using the right names/terms.

 

I have chosen as my user name the title of a great Queen, the mother of Darius III.  To start me off on my journey, perhaps a kind person would tell me how the ancient Persians themselves would have rendered her name.

 

I look forward to posting with you all.

 

Anyway, welcome again.