Judaism in Persia's Shadow: A Social and Historical Approach

Rating:
Summary: Intersting book
Review: An intersting book. However, it has some minor flaws.

Not enough effort was made to look at the issue from a Persian perspective as well. Thus it has a Western bias. E.g. Alexander is referred to as the 'Great' yet Cyrus is deprived of that title. From an Eastern perspective Cyrus created a civilized and fair empire while Alexander killed and destroyed.

The author claims that the motives for the Persians freeing the Jews were purely economical and for empire building. Yet the bulk of evidence indicated that the reasons were infact humanitarian.

Also the author claims that the religion of Iran at the time was dulaistic. This is also doubtful as they believed in Ahura Mazda (= The Wise Lord) as the creator of all things.

Rating:
Summary: Intersting book
Review: An intersting book. However, it has some minor flaws.

Not enough effort was made to look at the issue from a Persian perspective as well. Thus it has a Western bias. E.g. Alexander is referred to as the 'Great' yet Cyrus is deprived of that title. From an Eastern perspective Cyrus created a civilized and fair empire while Alexander killed and destroyed.

The author claims that the motives for the Persians freeing the Jews were purely economical and for empire building. Yet the bulk of evidence indicated that the reasons were infact humanitarian.

Also the author claims that the religion of Iran at the time was dulaistic. This is also doubtful as they believed in Ahura Mazda (= The Wise Lord) as the creator of all things.