The many splendid achievements of the early inhabitants of Iran range from the imaginatively painted pottery of the prehistoric period to the magnificent silver vessels of Sasanian times, and include the Luristan bronzes and the spectacular sculptures of Persepolis. Civilization began early in Persia, in common with other parts of the Middle East, and John Curtis traces the history, archaeology and art from the growth of settled communities in about 6000 B.C. through to the beginning of the Islamic period in the seventh century A.D. The author illustrates this concise introduction to ancient Persia with examples drawn from the rich collection of Iranian antiquities in the British Museum.