The Palace of Darius at Susa: The Great Royal Residence of Achaemenid Persia

‘King Darius’ Palace at Susa is perhaps the least well known yet the most important of the Achaemenid Persian palaces, less perhaps for its remains on the ground than for its architecture and treasures which are to be seen in Teheran and notably in the Louvre. French exploration of Susa, which began in 1885/6, continues. This magisterial volume, the translation of the French edition of 2010, brings together at last a comprehensive account of the architectural remains and the finds, from various scholarly hands. It is a major resource and, with its lavish illustration, a joy to handle and read.’
Sir John Boardman, FBA, Emeritus Lincoln Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology, University of Oxford

‘This lavishly illustrated volume on Darius I’s palace at Susa is not only of utmost importance for the specialist in Near Eastern Archaeology. With its chapters on the history of Elam in Achaemenid times, and on the royal builder himself, it is also an indispensable tool for historians of Pre-Islamic Persia. Its comprehensive account of the French excavations provides key insights into European encounters with Iran as well into the history of scholarship.’
Josef Wiesehöfer, Professor of Ancient History, Kiel University

‘This sumptuous volume provides a richly illustrated, authoritative survey of the key structures and many individual objects found at Susa that can be said to have contributed so much to the advancement of Achaemenid studies, beginning in the second half of the nineteenth century. Above all, students of the evolution of early Achaemenid art and architecture will find this multi-authored volume to be essential reading.’
David Stronach, OBE, Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern Archaeology, University of California, Berkeley

The Persian Empire achieved its greatest glory under Darius, a king who crowned his achievements by building magnificent palaces at Persepolis and Susa. This lavishly illustrated new book looks at Susa, which sat at the centre of the Achaemenid Empire during the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The wonderful photographs and maps by archaeologists past and present, the delicate watercolours painted by early visitors, and the detailed plans and diagrams explaining layout, architecture, and building techniques ensure it is a joy to look at, as well as to read. Not only easy on the eye, this huge tome both reveals the history of the archaeology of the site from its identification in the 19th century, and discusses the findings of subsequent investigation and recent excavation. Throughout, we are treated to a comprehensive history of the Empire from its earliest days in the 6th century BC, and insights into life and rituals during these fascinating times. An informative introduction written by the British Museum’s John Curtis includes an affectionate tribute to the editor – and excavator – Jean Perrot, who, sadly, died before seeing his work published. The book will appeal to readers on several levels: the armchair traveller, the enthusiastic amateur, and the informed scholar.
Current World Archaeology Journal