Forgotten Empire: Persian Empire

As I'm studying the book of Esther, I've become  interested in the historical setting of the place where the Jews were living in exile at that time, as well as gaining a broader understanding of their life and times in the Persian Empire.

Although during the time of Esther, the Jews were under King Xerxes who was hostile to anyone who opposed him, they had previously been ruled by benevolent kings (Cyrus and Darius) who were tolerant of the various ethnic and religious groups living within the empire.

I've watched several videos online, and one that I found particularly engaging (and somewhat less "dramatic" than some others) is Lost Worlds: Forgotten Empire, an Ancient History Documentary. While there are differing perspectives on interpreting the ancients, this documentary was an interesting way to spend the evening. Click here to go to the documentary.

Image - Architecture with Bas-Relief at Apadana Palace - Persepolis - Central Iran
Adam Jones, via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 2.0