Women in Ancient Persia, 559-331 BC (Revised)

Xerxes' exploits are famous, but what about Irdabama, a successful landowner who controlled her own wine and grain business? Or the ruthless queen Parysatis who murdered her enemy after a game of dice? By approaching the subject from a near eastern perspective, and thoroughly re-examining the Greek sources, This book is the first to reveal the fascinating picture of women and their economic and political importance in the Persian empire.