The Persian Empire was one of the most mysterious civilizations in the
ancient world. Persia became an empire under the Cyrus the Great, who
created a policy of religious and cultural tolerance that became the
hallmark of Persian rule. Engineering feats include an innovative
system of water management; a cross-continent paved roadway stretching
1500 miles; a canal linking the Nile to the Red Sea; and the creation
of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Mausoleum of Maussollos.
The rivalry between Persia and Athens led to a 30-year war known as the
Persian Wars, the outcome of which helped create the world we live in
today. Peter Weller hosts.
