ReOrienting the Sasanians
East Iran in Late Antiquity
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:15th Aug '18
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the significant cultural role of Central Asia in Persian-Islamic history, particularly during the rise of the Sasanian Empire.
In the mediaeval period, Central Asia emerged as a significant hub of Persian-Islamic culture, spanning from the Seljuks to the Mongols. In Reorienting the Sasanians, Khodadad Rezakhani delves into the intricate history behind this transformation, exploring the influential roles of the Kushans and the enigmatic 'Asian Huns'. These groups were pivotal in shaping the Sasanian Empire and had a lasting impact on the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
Traditionally, Central Asia has been perceived as a peripheral region, often regarded merely as a series of disconnected stops along the Silk Road between China and the Middle East. However, Reorienting the Sasanians challenges this notion, illustrating how this area was anything but marginal during the mediaeval era. Rezakhani presents a compelling narrative that redefines the region's significance, highlighting its cultural and historical contributions that were once overlooked.
The book contextualizes Persian history in relation to Central Asia, pushing the boundaries of late antiquity further east than typically acknowledged. It provides a thorough survey of the historical interplay between Iran and Central Asia from 200 to 800 CE, while also examining the rise of Islam in both regions. Through this lens, Reorienting the Sasanians offers readers a fresh perspective on the interconnectedness of these vibrant cultures and their enduring legacies.
Despite slogging through difficult terrain, the book makes for a shockingly smooth read. Any difficulties following the complicated historical narrative is helpfully relieved by the clear and comprehensive conclusions furnished at the end of each chapter. Rezakhani is explicit about the limits of the evidence, and does an enviable job producing a narrative history despite these constraints... Rezakhani skillfully guides the reader through uncharted territories, and successfully centers East Iran as a subject worthy of study in its own right. -- Simcha Gross, University of California, Irvine * Ancient Jew Review *
This study is a valuable addition to the literature, and will be of particular interest to non-specialist as an entry point and framework from which to familiarise themselves with the history of Central Asia and the Hindu Kush in late antiquity. Although Rezakhani purposefully stayed away from cultural history, his effective use of numismatics has the beneficial side-effect of highlighting some important cultural developments in Central Asia and the inception of East Iran. Clear and well-labelled maps help make this book useful to specialists and non-specialists alike. Likewise, the generous inclusion of images of coins illustrates points raised in the text itself. -- Craig Morley, University of Chester * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Overall, Rezakhani’s book is easy to read and vividly illustrated through the many maps and illustrations (mainly coins). -- Tino Shahin, Bonn * Plekos *
When it comes to the Sasanian Empire, most of our attention is turned toward its western neighbour, the Roman Empire. Khodadad Rezakhani has produced a brilliant synthesis and narrative of East Iran, showing how important the other side of the Sasanian Empire was for understanding Iranian and Eurasian history in Late Antiquity. This book must be read not only to understand the Sasanian World, but also to form a wider perspective of late antique history in general. -- Touraj Daryaee, University of California, Irvine
ISBN: 9781474437783
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages