A HISTORY OF PERSIA

BY

P. M. SYKES

We scrutinize the dates

Of long-past human things,

The bounds of effaced states.

The lines of deceased kings;

We search out dead men's words,

and works of dead men's hands.

(Matthew Arnold's Empedocles on Etna)

One Word.

The book makes a perfect mirror for the mind of the historians of the end of the XIXth Century and beginning of the XXTh Century to be aprehended, and, in consequence, is full of errors -talking about the ancient dates- and prejudices -talking about the relation of the Jews with the making of the Middle East Civilization. Whatever, it bring before us, in a condensated form, a look into a History very little known, the Persian Period between the Fall of the Empire of Cyrus to the Rise of Islam and from Islam to the early XXTh Century. I have left the text as it comes for the sake of the reader, because I consider good to aprehend the Mind of the Makers of the History of the Ancient World, (Rolling, Maspero, etc); when compared with the evolution during the XXTh century it give us a very pleasant idea of how the pendulumn went from the largest view -projecting Abraham back to the 23rd century BC- to the shorter view - locating Abraham as early as the 17th century BC. The New Cambridge History of the Ancient Middle East has not found yet the center of the movement, neither got rid of the the anti-jews prejudices of their former masters. This two defects are openly seen in this first section of the History of Spykes.

The importance of this Spykes' History is well seen in the INDEX bellow. The grace and free style of the author makes the reading adorable and gain straight ahead the forgiveness of the XXIst Century readers on the two main points above stated.

CR.

CHAPTER XXII

THE CAREER OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT TO THE DEATH OF DARIUS CODOMANNUS

The Battle of Arbela, 331 BC — The Capture of Babylon and Susa — The Occupation of Persepolis and Pasargadae — The Capture of Ecbatana, 330 BC — The Pursuit and Death of Darius Codomannus, 330 BC

CHAPTER XXIII

THE LIMIT OF CONQUEST

The Conquest of Hyrcania, Parthia, and Areia — The Annexation of Sistan and the March up the Helmand — The Crossing of the Hindu Kush and the Annexation of Bactria, 328 BC — The Capture of Bessus — The Advance to the Jaxartes or Sir Daria — The First Macedonian Disaster — The Capture of the Soghdian Rock — The Invasion of India, 327 BC — Nysa, a Colony founded by Bacchus — The Passage of the Indus — The Battle with Porus, 326 BC — The Limit of Conquest.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE DEATH OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT— HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHARACTER

The Voyage to the Indian Ocean — The March from the Indus to Susa, 325 BC — The Voyage to Babylon — The Death of Alexander the Great, 323 BC — An Analysis of Hellenism — A Comparison between the Hellenized and the British Empire — The Fruits of Hellenism — The Achievements and Character of Alexander the Great.

CHAPTER XXV

THE WARS OF THE “SUCCESSORS”

The Problem of the Succession — The Death of Perdiccas, 321 BC — The Rise of Seleucus — The Fight for Power — Antigonus and Eumenes — The Supremacy of Antigonus on the Death of Eumenes, 316 BC — The Destruction of the Family of Alexander the Great — The Battle of Gaza, 312 BC — The Reoccupation of Babylon by Seleucus, 312 BC — The Raid of Demetrius on Babylon, 311 BC — The Making of the Empire of Seleucus, 311-302 BC — Antigonus and Ptolemy — The Battle of Ipsus, 301 BC — The Career of Demetrius Poliorcetes after Ipsus — His Accession to the Throne of Macedonia — His Captivity and Death — The Defeat and Death of Lysimachus, 281 B.C. — The Assassination of Seleucus Nicator, 281 B.C.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE SELEUCID EMORE TO THE RISE OF PARTHIA

The Accession of Antiochus Soter, 281 BC — The Invasion of the Gauls and the Death of Ptolemy Keraunus, 280 BC — The Defeat of the Gauls by Antiochus I — The Divisions of the Empire of Alexander after the Invasion of the Gauls — The Death of Antiochus Soter, 262 BC — Antiochus Theus, 262-246 BC — The Revolt of Bactria, 256 BC, and of Parthia, 250 BC — The Third Syrian War and the Invasion of Syria and Persia, 245 BC — The Battle of Ancyra, circa 235 BC — The Campaign of Seleucus II against Parthia — Attalus of Pergamus and Antiochus Hierax — Seleucus III, 226-223 BC — The Close of a Great Period — Iran under Macedonian Rule — The Greek Cities in the Persian Empire.

CHAPTER XXVII

THE RISE OF PARTHIA AND THE APPEARANCE OF ROME IN ASIA

Parthia Proper — The Authorities for Parthian History — The Arsacid Dynasty — The Birth-Year of the Arsacid Dynasty, 249-248 BC — The Career of Arsaces I, 249-247 BC — Hecatompylus, the Capital — The Conquest of Hyrcania under Arsaces II, 247-214 BC — Arsaces II and Seleucus II — Dara, the New Capital of Parthia — The Early Career of Antiochus the Great, 223-213 BC — Arsaces III and Antiochus the Great, 209 BC — The March of Antiochus through Bactria, the Punjab, and Kerman, 208-204 BC — Early Relations between Hellas and Rome — The First Macedonian War, 215-205 BC — The Spoliation of Egypt by Philip V and Antiochus the Great — The Second Macedonian War, 200-197 BC — Antiochus the Great and Rome, 200-191 BC — The Battle of Magnesia, 190 BC — The Peace of Apamea, 188 BC — Parthia until the Reign of Mithradates I, 209-170 BC — Bactria, 205-170 BC — Summary.

CHAPTER XXVIII

THE EXPANSION OF PARTHIA AND THE DOWNFALL OF THE HOUSE OF SELEUCUS

The House of Seleucus, 188-175 BC — The Succession of Antiochus Epiphanes, 175 BC — The Battle of Pydna, 168 BC — The Evacuation of Egypt by Antiochus, 168 BC — The Eastern Campaigns of Antiochus and his Death, 165-164 BC — Antiochus Epiphanes and the Jews — Demetrius the Saviour, 162-150 BC — The Conquests of Mithradates I of Parthia, 170-138 BC — The House of Seleucus, 150-140 BC — Mithradates I and Demetrius II — The Death of Mithradates I, 138 BC — Antiochus Sidetes, 138-129 BC — Antiochus Sidetes and Phraates II, 130-129 BC — The Downfall of the House of Seleucus — Its Place in History.

CHAPTER XXIX

PARTHIA, ROME AND PONTUS

The Nomadic Peril — The Victories of the Nomads over the Parthians — Mithradates II of Parthia, 124-88 BC — Parthia and Armenia — The Expansion of Rome, 190-129 BC — The Making of the Empire of Mithridates VI of Pontus, 120-90 BC — The First Intercourse between Parthia and Rome, 92 BC — The Earliest Intercourse of China with Parthia, 120-88 BC — An Obscure Period of Parthian History, 88-66 BC — Mithridates VI and Rome, 89-66 BC — The Career of Pompey in the East, 67-63 BC — Pompey and Phraates III of Parthia — The Suicide of Mithridates VI, 63 BC — The Results of Pompey's Campaigns.

CHAPTER XXX

PARTHIA AND ROME— THE FIRST TRIAL OF STRENGT

The Internal Affairs of Parthia, 66-55 BC — The Appointment of Crassus to Syria, 55 BC — The Invasion of Parthia, 53 BC — The Plan of Campaign of Orodes — Parthian and Roman Troops compared — The Battle of Carrhae, 53 BC — The Parthian Invasion of Syria, 51-50 BC.

CHAPTER XXXI

PARTHIA AND ROME— THE SECOND TRIAL OF STRENGT

The Civil War between Caesar and Pompey, 49-48 BC — Caesar and the Near East, 47 BC — The Early Career of Mark Antony — The Parthian Invasion under Pacorus and Labienus

CHAPTER XXXII

THE ORGANIZATION, RELIGION, AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE PARTHIANS

The Organization of the Parthians — The Position of the Monarch — The Army — The Court — The Position of Women — The Life of the Parthians — Their Dress — Laws and Customs — Religion — Literature — Architecture and Art — Coinage.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE STRUGGLE FOR ARMENIA

The Armenian Question—The Murder of Phraates IV, 2 BC, and the Treaty with Rome, AD I—Phraataces, Vonones, and Artabanus III — Rome, Parthia, and Armenia, AD 18-35 —Vicissitudes of Artabanus III, AD 36-37—The Peace with Rome, AD 37—Vardanes and Gotarzes, AD 40-51—The Struggle for Armenia—Volagases and Nero, AD 55-63—The Investiture of Tiridates by Nero, AD 66—An Obscure Period of Parthian History, AD 66-108.

CHAPTER XXXIV

THE DECLNE AND FALL OF PARTHIA

The Roman Empire at its Zenith — Trajan and Armenia, AD 114-115 — The Conquest of Mesopotamia and of Babylon, AD 115-116 — The Retreat of Trajan, AD 116 — The Evacuation of Armenia and Mesopotamia by Hadrian, AD 117 — The Inroad of the Alani, AD 133 — The Invasion of Syria by Volagases III, AD 161 — The Campaigns of Avidius Cassius, AD 163-165 — The Eastern Campaigns of Severus, AD 194-197 — Artabanus and Volagases, the last Kings of Parthia, AD 209-226 — The Treachery of Caracallus, AD 216 — The last Battle between Rome and Parthia, AD 217 — The Downfall of Parthia, AD 226 — The Intercourse of China with Persia, AD 25-220 — The Cult of Mithras in Europe — Summary.

CHAPTER XXXV

THE RISE OF THE SASSANIAN DYNASTY

The Origin of the Sassanian Dynasty—The Coming of Ardeshir — Ardeshir and Ardawan — The Battle of Hormuz, AD 226 — Ardeshir and Severus Alexander, AD 229-232—The Conquest of Armenia by Ardeshir — Ardeshir, the Reviver of the Good Religion —His Achievements and Character.

CHAPTER XXXVI

SHAPUR I, THE CAPTOR OF VALERIAN

The Succession of Shapur I, AD 240 — The Revolt of Armenia and of Hatra, AD 240 — The First Campaign against Rome, AD 241-244 — The Second Campaign : the First Phase, AD 258-260 — The Capture of Valerian, AD 260 — The Second Phase of the Campaign, AD 260 — Shapur and Odenathus of Palmyra, AD 260-263 — Zenobia — The Public Works of Shapur — The Manichaeans — The Death of Shapur I, AD 271 — Hormisdas and Bahram I, AD 271-275 — The Early Campaigns of Bahram II, AD 275-282 — The Campaign of Carus, AD 283 — The Seizure of Armenia by Tiridates, AD 286 — The Campaigns of Narses against Rome, AD 296-297 — The Defeat of Narses and the Cession of Five Provinces to RomeAD 297.

CHAPTER XXXVII

SHAPUR THE GREAT

The Birth of Shapur II, AD 309 — His Minority and Early Campaigns, AD 309-337 — The First War with Rome, AD 337-350 — The Great Persecution of the Christians — The Eastern Campaigns of Shapur, AD 350-357 — The Treaty between Armenia and Rome, circa AD 352 — The Second War with Rome to the Death of Constantius, AD 359-361 — The Great Expedition of Julian, AD 363 — His Retreat and Death, AD 363 — The Restoration of the Five Provinces and of Nisibis to Shapur, AD 363 — The Policy of Persia and Rome in Armenia and Iberia — The Conclusion of Peace between Rome and Persia, AD 376 — The Death of Shapur, AD 379.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

THE STRUGGLE WITH THE WHITE HUNS

Ardeshir II, AD 379-383, and Shapur III, AD 383-388 — The Partition of Armenia, AD 384 — Bahram IV, AD 388-399 — Yezdigird the Wicked, AD 399-420 — His Policy towards the Christians — The Curious Legend of his Death — The Contested Succession of Bahram Gur, AD 420 — His Campaign against Rome, AD 420-421 — The Peace with Rome, AD 422 — The Declaration of the Independence of the Eastern Church, AD 424 — Persian Armenia reduced to a Satrapy, AD 428 — The Coming of the White Huns — The Campaigns of Bahram Gur against the White Huns — Bahram Gur, the Mighty Hunter — His Achievements and Character — Yezdigird II, his Campaigns against Rome and the White Huns — His Persecutions in Armenia and Mesopotamia — The Usurpation of Hormisdas, AD 457, and his Overthrow by Firuz, AD 459 — The First Campaigns of Firuz against the White Huns — The Revolt of Armenia, AD 481-483— The Defeat of Firuz by the White Huns and his Death, AD 483 — Persia tributary to the White Huns, AD 483-485 — The Agreement with Armenia — Controversies on Doctrine among the Christians in Persia.

CHAPTER XXXIX

THE CRUSHING OF THE WHITE HUNS

The Accession of Kobad, AD 487 — His Campaigns against the Khazars — The Rise of Mazdak — The Deposition of Kobad and his Imprisonment, AD 498-501 — His Second Reign, AD 501-531 — His First War with Rome, AD 503-505 — The Final Campaign against the White Huns, AD 503-513 — The Massacre of the Mazdakites, AD 523 — The Rebellion in Iberia — The Second War with Rome, AD 524-531 — The Importance of the Reign of Kobad — The Connexion between China and Persia under the Sasanian Dynasty.

CHAPTER XL

NOSHIRWAN THE JUST

The Disputed Succession of Noshirwan, AD 531 — The Execution of Mazdak and the Massacre of his Followers — Peace concluded with Rome, AD 533 — Roman Successes in Africa and Italy, AD 533-539 — The Capture and Sack of Antioch by Noshirwan, AD 540 — The Campaigns in Lazica, AD 540-557 — The Second Peace with Rome, AD 562 — The Coming of the Turks — The Subjugation of the White Huns — The Campaign against the Khazars — The Arabian Campaign, circa AD 576 — The Campaign with the Turks — The Third War with Rome, AD 572-579 — The Christian Community under Noshirwan — The Character and Achievements of Noshirwan — Buzurgmihr.

CHAPTER XLI

ORGANIZATION, LANGUAGE, AND ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE SASSANIAN DYNASTY

The Administration of the Sassanian Empire — The Land Tax  — Improvements in Irrigation and Communications — The Army — The Pahlavi Language — Pahlavi Rock Inscriptions — Pahlavi Literature — The Monarch and his Court — The Models of the Sassanian Architects — The Main Features of Sassanian Architecture — The Firuzabad Palace — The Tak-i-Kisra — The Palace of Khusru at Kasr-i-Shirin — The Palace at Mashita — The Bas-Reliefs at Naksh-i-Rustam — The Hunting Scenes of Khusru Parviz — The Statue of Shapur I — An Impression of Sasanian Architecture and Art — Alleged Byzantine Influences.

CHAPTER XLII

KHUSRU PARVIZ AND HERECLIUS

The Continuation of the Roman War by Hormisdas IV — The Invasion and Defeat of the Turks, circa AD 588 — The Campaign in Lazica, AD 589 — The Revolt of Bahram Chubin and the Assassination of Hormisdas — The Accession of Khusru Parviz, AD 590 — His Defeat and Flight to Mesopotamia — His Restoration by a Roman Army, AD 591 — The Outbreak of War with Rome, AD 603 — The Battle of Zu-Kar, circa AD 610 — The Accession of Heraclius, AD 610 — The Sack of Antioch and the Capture of Alexandria by the Persians — The Fall of Chalcedon, AD 617 — The Desperate Condition of the Roman Empire — The Famous Campaigns of Heraclius, AD 622-637 — The Victory over Shahr-Baraz, AD 622 — The Flight of the Great King, AD 623 — The Surprise of the Army of Shahr-Baraz, AD 624 — The Defeat of Shahr-Baraz on the Saras, AD 625 — The Siege of Constantinople and the Defeat of Shahin, AD 626 — The Sack of Dastagird and the Flight of Khusru Parviz, AD 627 — The Deposition and Death of Khusru Parviz, AD 628 — His Character — The Progress of Christianity under the later Sassanian Monarchs.

CHAPTER XLIII

THE OVERTHROW OF THE PERSIAN EMPIRE BY THE ARABS

The Accession of Kobad II and the Peace with Rome, AD 628 — The Massacre of his Brothers and his Death, AD 629 — The Usurpation of Shahr-Baraz and his Death, AD 629 — A Period of Anarchy, AD 629-634 — The Accession of Yezdigird III, AD 634 — The Campaign of Khalid against the Western Provinces of the Persian Empire, AH 12-13 (633-634) — The Campaigns of Mothanna, AH 13-14 (634-635) — The Organization of a Great Army for the Persian War, AH 14 (635) — The Embassy to Yezdigird, AH 14 (635) — The Battle of Cadesia, AH 14 (636) — The Capture of Madain, AH 16 (637) — The Battle of Jalola, AH 16 (637) — The Annexation of Mesopotamia and the Capture of Obolla, AH 16 (637) — The Foundation of Basra and of Kufa, AH 17 (638) — The Failure of the Expedition from Bahrein — The Conquest of Khuzistan and the Capture of Shuster, AH 19 (640) — The Battle of Nahavand, AH 21 (642) — The Annexation of the Provinces of Persia — The Death of Yezdigird III, AH 31 (652).

CHAPTER XLIV

THE EARLY CAREER OF MOHAMED AT MECCA .

A Description of Arabia - The Importance of Mecca - The Ancient Religion of the Arabs - The Kaaba - The Ancestors of the Prophet Mohamed - The Political Situation in Arabia before and after the Birth of the Prophet - The Childhood, Youth, and Early Manhood of Mohamed - The Divine Commission conveyed by Gabriel - The Assumption of the Prophetical Office, AD 613-614 The Temporary Emigration to Abyssinia, AD 615.

CHAPTER XLV

THE FLIGHT TO MEDINA AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ISLAM

The Hijra, or "Flight," to Medina, AD 622 - The Erection of the First Mosque at Medina -  The Breach with the Jews - The Battle of Badr, A.H. 2 (623), and the Expulsion of the Beni Kainucas The Battle of Ohod, AH 3 (625), and the Expulsion of the Beni Nazir - The Siege of Medina and the Massacre of the Beni Koreitza, AH 5 (627) - The Truce of Hodeibia, AH 6 (628) - The Embassies sent by Mohamed, AH 7 (628) - The Conquest of Khaybar, AH 7 (628) - The "Fulfilled Pilgrimage," A.H. 7 (629) - The Battle of Muta, AH 8 (629) - The Capture of Mecca, AH 8 (630) - The Last Campaign of Mohamed, AH 9 (630) - The Final Orders of the Prophet -  The "Farewell Pilgrimage", AH 10 (630) - The Death of Mohamed, A.H. 11 (632) His Character - The Koran.

CHAPTER XLVI

ISLAM UNDER THE FIRST FOUR CALIPHS

The Period of the Caliphate, AD.632-1258 - The Genealogical Table of the Kureish - The Election of Abu Bekr  - The Rebellions, A.H. 11 (632) - The Battle on the Yermuk, AH 13 (634) . The Death of Abu Bekr and the Accession of Omar, AH 13 (634) - The Capture of Damascus, AH 14 (635) - The Capture of Antioch and the Capitulation of Jerusalem, AH 15 (636) - The Conquest of Egypt, AH 19-20 (640-641) - The Assassination of Omar, AH 23 (644) - The Accession of Othman, AH 24 (644) - The Expansion of Islam to the West, AH 25-31 (646-652) - The Campaigns in Persia, AH 31 (652) - The Murder of Othman, AH 35 (656) - The Election of Ali, AH 35 (656) - Muavia, the Governor of Syria - The Proclamation of War against Muavia by Ali, AH 35 (65 6) - The Battle of the Camel, AH 36 (656) - The Battle of Siffin, AH 37 (657) - The Arbitration, AH 37 (658) - The Kharijites - The Last Years of Ali’s Caliphate His Assassination, AH 40 (661) - His Character The Position of Persia.

CHAPTER XLVII

THE TRAGEDY OF KERBELA

The Accession of Hasan and his Abdication, AH 40 (661) - The Death-bed Warning of Muavia to Yezid, AH 61 (680) - The Invitation to Husayn from the Inhabitants of Kufa - The March on Kufa - The Tragedy - The Journey to Damascus and the Return to Medina - The Passion Plays - The Historical Basis of the Shia Sect - Its Religious Basis and Doctrines.

CHAPTER XLVIII

PERSIA A PROVINCE OF THE OMAYYAD CALIPHATE

The Omayyad Dynasty - The Position of Muavia strengthened by the Adherence of Ziad - Moslem Progress in the East - The Power and Prosperity of Muavia - Yezid declared Heir-Apparent, AH56 (676), and his Succession in AH 61 (680) - The Rebellion of Ibn Zobayr, AH 61 (680) - The Bokhara Campaign - The Campaign of the Northern Beduin against the Southern Beduin, AH 46-65 (666-685) - The Divisions in the Caliphate, AH 61-73 (680-692) - The Massacre of the Enemies of Husayn, A.H. 66 (685) - The Azrakites - The Rebellion of Ibn-al-Ashath, AH 80 (699) - The Rebellion of Musa ibn Khazim - Death and Character of Abdul Malik - The Campaigns in Central Asia, AH 86-96 (705-714) - The Advance to the Indus, AH 89-96 (707-714) - The Achievements of Welid, AH 86-96 (705-714) - The Campaigns of Yezid in Gurgan and Tabaristan, AH 98 (716) - Khorasan under the Caliphate of Omar II, A.M. 99-101 (717-720) - The Reign of Yezid II, AH 101-105 (720-724) - The Abbasid Propaganda - The Rebellion of Zayd, AH 122 (740) - The Caliphate of Hisham, AH 105-125 (724-743) - Welid II and Yezid III, AH 125-126 (743-744) - The Rebellion of Ibn Muavia, AH 126-129 (744-747) - The Raising of the Black Standard in Khorasan, AH 129 (747) - The Battle of the Great Zab, AH 132 (750) - The Condition of Persia under the Omayyad Dynasty.

CHAPTER XLIX

PERSIAN ASCENDANCY IN THE EARLY ABBASID PERIOD

The End of Moslem Unity - The Accession of Abul Abbas, AH 132 (749) - The Massacre of the Omayyads - The Reign of Abul Abbas and his Death, AH 136 (754) - Abu Jafar, Mansur, AH 136-158 (754-775) - The Execution of Abu Muslim, AH 137 (754) - The Rebellions in Persia, AH 138 (756), and AH 141-143 (758-760) - The Ravandis, AH 141 (758) - The Rebellion of the Descendants of Hasan, AH 144 (761) - The Foundation of Baghdad, AH 145 (762) - The Rising at Herat, AH 150 (767) - Persian Influence under Mansur Mehdi, AH 158-169 (775-785) - The Veiled Prophet of Khorasan, AH 158-161 (774-777) - Hadi, AH 169-170 (785-786).

CHAPTER L

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ISLAM

The Splendour of Haroun-al-Rashid, AH 170-193 (786-809) - The Hasanite Prince of Daylam, AH 176 (792) - The Downfall of the Barmecides - The Death of Haroun-al-Rashid, AH 193 (809) - Amin and Mamun, AH 193-198 (808-813) - Mamun proclaimed Caliph of the East, AH 196 (811) - The Campaigns of Tahir the Ambidextrous and the Death of Amin - Rebellions in the Western Half of the Caliphate, AH 198-201 (813-816) - The Proclamation of Ali Riza as Heir-Apparent, AH 201 (817) - His Sudden Death, AH 203 (818) - Tahir, Viceroy of the East, AH 204-207 (819-822) - The Later Years of Mamun and his Death, AH 218 (833) - The Arts, Science, and Literature under Mamun - Moslem Exploration and Geography - The Mutazila Sect - Motasim, AH 218-227 (833-842) - The Mamelukes and the Founding of Samarra - The Revolt of the Jatt or Gypsies - The Capture of Babek, AH 222 (837) - The Campaign against the Greeks, AH 223 (838) - The Later Years of Motasim's Reign - Wathik, AH 227-232 (842-847).

CHAPTER LI

THE DECAY OF THE CALIPHATE AND THE REVIVAL OF

PERSIAN INDEPENDENCE

The Orthodox Reaction under Mutawakkil, AH 232-247 (847-861) - The Palace of Samarra and the Cypress of Kishmar - The Tahiri Dynasty, AH 205-259 (820-872) - A Period of Anarchy, AH 247-256 (861-870) - The Rise of the Saffar Dynasty - Motamid, AH 256-279 (870-892) - The Zanj Insurrection, AH 255-270 (869-883) - The Brilliant Career of Yakub bin Lais - The Origin of the Ismaili Sect - The Carmathians - The Rise of the Samanid Dynasty - The Career of Amr-ul-Lais, AH 265-290 (878-903) - The Samanid Dynasty at its Zenith - Its Decay and Downfall - The Ziyarid Dynasty, AH 316-434 (928-1042) -The Buwayhid or Daylamite Dynasty, AH 320-447 (932-1055) - The Dynasty of Ghazna, AH 351-582 (962-1186).

CHAPTER LII

THE COMING OF THE SELJUK TURKS

The Importance of the Seljuks -  Their Origin - Masud of Ghazna - The Founding of the Seljuk Dynasty, AH 429 (1037) - The Career of Toghril Beg, AH 429-455 (1037-1063) - Malik Kaward of Kerman, AH 433-465 (1041-1072) - Alp Arslan, AH 455-465 (1063-1072) - The Seljuk Empire at its Zenith under Malik Shah, AH 465-485 (1072-1092) - The Downfall of the Nizam-ul-Mulk - The Death of Malik Shah, AH 485 (1092) - The Assassins - The Fatimid Dynasty, AH 297567 (909-1171) - The Career of Hasan Sabbah – “The Old Man of the Mountain” - The Initiation of the Devotees - Mahmud, AH 485 (1092); Barkiyaruk, AH 487 (1094); Malik Shah II, AH 498 (1104); Mohamed, AH 498-511 (1104-1117) - The Seljuks of Kerman, AH 433-583 (1041-1187) - The Origin of the Crusades - The First Crusade, AD 1095-1099 - The Defeat of the First Army by the Seljuks The Capture of Nicaea and of Antioch by the Crusaders - The Storming of Jerusalem, AH 492 (1099).

CHAPTER LIII

THE DISRUPTION OF THE SELJUK EMPIRE

Sultan Sanjar at the Height of his Fame - An Episode of the Assassins - The Ghorid Dynasty, AH 543-612 (1148-1215) - The Rise of the Shahs of Khwarazm - The Kara Khitai Dynasty - The Defeat of Sultan Sanjar by the Kara Khitai, AH 536(1 141) - The Capture of Sultan Sanjar by the Ghuzz, AH 548 (1153) - The Atrocities committed by the Ghuzz - Their Ravages in the Kerman Province - Their Escape and Death of Sultan Sanjar, AH 552 (1157) -  His Character - The Revival of the Caliphate - The Khwarazm Dynasty at its Zenith - The Atabegs - The End of a Great Period.

CHAPTER LIV

PERSIAN LITERATURE BEFORE THE MONGOL INVASION

The Birth of Persian Literature Rudagi;  Al-Biruni; Avicenna; Firdausi - The Siasat Nama; Nasir-i-Khusru; Omar Khayyam -The Kahus-Nama; Al-Ghazali;  Muizzi;  Nizami-al-Arudi; Anwari and Khakani -Nizami - Attar –A Criticism.

CHAPTER LV

THE MONGOL CATACLYSM

The Awful Nature of the Mongol Invasion - The Origin of the Mongols - Yissugay, the Father of Genghis Khan - The Rise  of Genghis Khan, AD 1175-1206 - The Downfall of the Kara Khitai Dynasty - The Mongol Invasion of Turkestan, AH 615 (1218) - The Outbreak of Hostilities with Khwarazm - The Invasion of Transoxiana, AH 616 (1219) - The Pursuit of Mohamed and his Death, AH 617 (1220) - The Siege of Urganj, AH 617 (1220) - The Devastation of Khorasan, AH 617 (1220) - The Destruction of Merv and Nishapur - The Capture of Herat - The Campaign against Jalal-u-Din, AH 618 (1221) -The Return  to Tartary of Genghis Khan - The Devastation of Western and North-Western Persia - The Death of Genghis Khan, AH 624 (1227) - His Character and Genius.

CHAPTER LVI

THE EXTINCTION OF THE CALIPHATE BY HULAGU KHAN

The Division of the Mongol Empire - Three Great Expeditions - The Campaign of Jalal-u-Din in India, AH 619 (1222) - His Return to Persia, AH 620 (1223) - Ghias-u-Din - The Campaign against the Caliph, AH 622 (1225) - The Battle of Isfahan, AH 625 (1228) - The Single Combats of Jalal-u-Din - His Escapes from the Mongols and his Death, AH 628 (1231) - The Mongol Campaigns in Asia Minor and Syria - The Kutlugh Khans of Kerman, AH 619-703 (1222-1303) - Christian Missions to the Mongols, AD 1245-1253 - The Administration of Northern Persia before Hulagu Khan - The Appointment of Hulagu Khan to Persia, AH 649 (1251) - The Dynasty of the Assassins at its Zenith - The Extirpation of the Assassins, AH 654 (1256) - The  Sack of Baghdad and the Execution of the Caliph, AH 656 (1258) - The Last Years of Hulagu Khan and his Death, AH 663 (1265).

CHAPTER LVII

THE HEATHEN IL-KHANS OF PERSIA

Abaga, AH 663-680 (12651281) - The Invasion from Russia, AH 664 (1266) - Hayton, King of Armenia and Baybars of Egypt, AH 664-665 (1266-1267) - The Invasion of Khorasan by Borak, AH 668 (1270) - Yusuf Shah I, Atabeg of Luristan - The Devastation of Khwarazm and Transoxiana by Abaga, AH 671 (1272) - The Battle of Abulistin, AH 675 (1277) - The Battle of Hims, AH 680 (1281) -The Intercourse of Abaga with Europe - The Journey of Marco Polo in Persia, AD 1271 - Ahmad, AH 680-683 (1281-1284) - The Reign of Arghun, AH 683-690 (1284-1291) - John de Monte Corvino - Gaykhatu, AH 690-694 (1291-1295), and Baydu, AH 694 (1295) - The Return of Marco Polo to Persia, A.D. 1294.

CHAPTER LVIII

GHAZAN KHAN, THE GREAT IL-KHAN

The Accession of Ghazan, AH 694. (1295) His First Syrian Campaign, AH 699 (1299) -The Raiding of Southern Persia from Transoxiana - The Defeat of the Mongols in Syria, AH 702 (1303) - The Relations of Ghazan with Byzantium and the Western Powers - His Reforms - His Buildings and Endowments - Uljaitu, A.H. 703-716 (1304-1316) - Abu Said, A.H. 716-736 (1316-1335) - The Puppet Il-Khans - The Jalayr Dynasty, AH736-814(1336-1411) – The Muzaffarids, AH 713-795(1313-1393) - The Karts of Herat, AH 643-791 (1245-1389).

CHAPTER LIX

TAMERLANE

Transoxiana in the Middle of the Fourteenth Century - The Fame of Tamerlane - His Birth in AH 736 (1335) and his Early Years - His Submission to Tughluk Timur Khan - His Early Wanderings - Tamerlane or “Timur the Lame” -The Rallying of his Relations and Adherents - The Campaigns with Khoja Ilias - The Struggle between Tamerlane and Amir Husayn, AH 767-771 (1365-1369) - The Conquest of Jatah and of Khwarazm, AH 771-782 (1369-1380) - The Surrender of Herat, AH 782 (1380) - The Siege of Kalat-i-Nadiri and of Turshiz - The Sistan Campaign, AH 785 (1383) - The Campaign in Northern Persia, AH 786 (1384) - The Campaign in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Fars, AH 788-790 (1386-1388) -  Tamerlane and Hafiz - The Campaigns with Toktamish, AH 790-793 (1388-1391) - The Campaign in Fars and Irak, AH 794795 (1392-1393) - The Siege of Takrit, AH 796 (1393) The Second Campaign in Russia, AH 797 (1394) - The Invasion of India, AH 800-801 (1398-1399) - The Campaign against the Mamelukes, AH 803 (1401) - The Defeat of Bayazid, AH 804 (1402) - The Castilian Embassy to the Court of Samarcand - The Death of Tamerlane, A.H. 807 (1405) - His Character and Achievements.

CHAPTER LX

THE TIMURID MONARCHS OF PERSIA

Khalil Sultan, AH 807-812 (1404-1409) - Shah Rukh, AH 807-850 (1404-1447) - Ulugh Beg, the Astronomer King - Abu Said, AH 855-872 (1452-1467) - The Last Princes of the Timurid Dynasty - The "Black Sheep" Dynasty, AH 780-874(1378-1469) - The "White Sheep" Dynasty, AH 780-908 (1378-1502) - The Alliance of Uzun Hasan with Venice - The Rise of the Shaybanid Dynasty - Baber - The Literary and Scientific Attainments of the Timurid Dynasty.

CHAPTER LXI

LITERATURE AND ARCHITECTURE UNDER THE MONGOLS

The Historians of the Early Mongol Period - The Later Historians - Yakut, the Geographer - Nasir-u-Din, the Philosopher and Man of Science - The Sufis or Mystics - Jalal-u-Din, Rumi - Sadi Hafiz - Jami - The Tomb of Khudabanda at Sultania - The Shrine of the Imam Riza - The Mosque of Gauhar Shad - The Madrasa at Khargird - The Mahun Shrine.

CHAPTER LXII

THE RISE OF THE SAFAVI DYNASTY

The Ancestors of the Safavi Dynasty - Ismail, the Founder of the Dynasty, AH 905-930 (1499-1524) - The Defeat of the Uzbegs by Shah Ismail, AH 916 (1510) - Shah Ismail and Baber - The Final Defeat of Baber by the Uzbegs, AH 918 (1512) - The Campaign of Selim the Grim, AH 920 (1514) - The Death of Shah Ismail and his Character - Tahmasp, A.H. 930-984 (1524-1576) -  The Invasions of Persia by Sulayman the Magnificent - The Fugitive Emperor Humayun - The Rebellion of Ilkhas Mirza, AH 954-955 (1547-1548) - The Perso-Turkish Treaty of Peace, AH 962 (1555) - The Betrayal of Bayazid, son of Sulayman - The Embassies of Anthony Jenkinson to Bokhara and Persia, AD 1558-1563 - An Account of Persia by D'Alessandri, A.D. 1571 - Ismail II, AH 984 (1576) - Mohamed Khudabanda, A.H. 985

CHAPTER LXIII

SHAH ABBAS THE GREAT

Shah Abbas I, AH 985-1038 (1587-1629) - The Turkish Invasion, AH 995-998 (1587-1590) - The Uzbeg Invasions - The Temporary Abdication, AH 1000 (1591) - The Arrival in Persia of the Sherley Brothers, AD 1598 - The Reorganization of the Persian Army - The Formation of the Shah Savan Tribe - Sir I Anthony Sherley as Ambassador - The Successful Campaigns against Turkey, AH 1011-1036 (1602-1627) - The Embassies of Sir Robert Sherley - The Administrative Genius of Shah Abbas - His Encouragement of Pilgrimages - His Domestic Life – His Death and Character.

CHAPTER LXIV

THE STRUGGLE FOR ASCENDANCY IN THE PERSIAN GULF

The Effect on History of Rounding the Cape of Good Hope -The Importance of Hormuz - The First Portuguese Expedition against Hormuz, AD 1507 - The Persian Demand for Tribute - The Failure of the Expedition - The Final Occupation of Hormuz by the Portuguese, A.D. 1515 - The Beginning of English Maritime Intercourse with the East - The First English Attempt to Trade with Persia by Sea, AD 1614 - The Journey of Connock, AD 1616-1617 - The Persian Question of the Period - The Spanish Embassy to Persia, 1618-1619 - The Battle of Jask, AD 1620 - The Capture of Hormuz by an Anglo-Persian Expedition, AD 1622  - The Dutch - The French - The Embassy of Sir Dodmore Cotton to Shah Abbas, AD 1627 - The Fortunes of the British.

CHAPTER LXV

ARCHITECTURE AND ART UNDER THE SAFAVI DYNASTY

Isfahan, the Safavi Capital - The Royal Square - The Royal Mosque - The Ala Kapi - The Chehel Sutun - The Chahar Bagh - The Madrasa-i-Shah Husayn - The Bridge of Allah - Verdi Khan - Tiles - Pottery - Carpets - Painting - Metal Work.

CHAPTER LXVI

THE DECLINE OF THE SAFAVI DYNASTY

The Cause of the Decline - Shah Safi, AH 1038-1052 (1629-1642) - The Holstein Embassy, 1637 - The Uzbegs - The Capture of Hamadan by the Turks, AH 1039 (1630) - The Erivan Campaign, AH 1045 (1635) - The Capture of Baghdad, AH 1048 (1638) - Abbas II, AH 1052-1077 (1642-1667) - The Uzbeg Refugees - The First Russian Embassy to Persia, AD 1664 - Sulayman, AH 1077-1105 (1667-1694) - The Accession of Shah Sultan Husayn, AH 1105 (1694) - The Embassies of Peter the Great, AD 1708 and 1715 - The Failure in the Persian Gulf.

CHAPTER LXVII

THE GHILZAIS OF KANDAHAR

A Sketch of Afghanistan - Its Inhabitants - The Province of Kandahar - The Ghilzais - The Appointment of Gurgin Khan - Mir Vais - The Murder of Gurgin Khan and the Massacre of the Persian Garrison, AH 1121 (1709) - The Consolidation of Power by Mir Vais - His Two Victories over Persian Armies - Mir Abdulla, AH 1128-1130 (1715-1717) - The Rise of the Abdalis of Herat.

CHAPTER LXVIII

THE OVERTHROW OF THE SAFAVI DYNASTY

The First Expedition of Mahmud, AH 1133 (1720) - The Disgrace of the Vizier and of Lutf Ali Khan - Signs and Portents - The Second Expedition of Mahmud, AH 1135 (1722) - The Afghan and Persian Armies - The Battle of Gulnabad, AH 1135 (1722) - The Capture of Farrahabad and the Capitulation of Julfa - The Investment of Isfahan - The Heroic Inhabitants of Ben Isfahan - The Unsuccessful Mission of Tahmasp Mirza - The Death of the White Eunuch - Malik Mahmud of Sistan - The Surrender of Isfahan, AH 1135 (1722) - The Downfall of the Dynasty.

CHAPTER LXIX

THE EXPULSION OF THE AFGHANS

The First Acts of Mahmud - The Surrender of Kum, Kashan  and Kazvin to the Afghans -The Will of Peter the Great - The Capture of Derbent by Peter, AH 1135 (1722) - His Occupation of Resht and Baku, AD.1723 - The Treaty of Shah Tahmasp with Russia, AD 1723 -  The Persian Insurrection at Kazvin, AH 1136 (1723) - The Massacres at Isfahan, AD 1723  - The Capture of Shiraz, AH 1137 (1724) - An Attack on Bandar Abbas - Afghan Intrigues - The Massacre of the Safavi Princes - The Death of Mahmud, AH 1137 (1725) - His Appearance and Character - The Turkish Invasion of Gejorgia, AD 1722-1723 - The Russo-Turkish Treaty for the Dismemberment of Persia, AD.1724 - The Conquest of Western Persia by the Turks, AD.1724-1725 - The Accession of Ashraf, AH.1137 (1725) - The Victory of Ashraf over the Turks, AH 1138 (1726) - Shah Tahmasp joined by Nadir Kuli, AH 1139 (1727) - The Conquest of Khorasan by Nadir Kuli - The Defeat of the Afghans at Mehmandost, AH 1141 (1729) - The Second Defeat of the Afghans at Murchakhar, AH 1141 (1729) - The Reoccupation of Isfahan - The Final Rout of the Afghans, AH 1142 (1730) - The Death of Ashraf, AH 1142 (1730) - The Flight of the Afghans.

CHAPTER LXX

THE RISE OF NADIR KULI TO THE THRONE OF PERSIA

The Origin and Birthplace of Nadir Kuli - His Captivity and Escape - Appointment to Abivard Service under Malik Mahmud - His Capture of Kalat and Nishapur - His Dreams  - The Capture of Meshed and the Execution of Malik Mahmud - The Reward for the Expulsion of the Afghans - Nadir Kuli's First Turkish Campaign - Tahmasp's Disastrous Campaign against the Turks, AH 1144 (1731) - His Dethronement in AH 1145 (1732) - The Battle of Karkuk, AH 1146 (1733) - The Persian Victory over Topal Osman, AH 1146 (1733) - The Persian Victory of Baghavand, AH 1148 (1735) - The Evacuation of the Caspian Provinces by Russia - The Accession of Nadir Kuli to the Throne, AH 1148 (1736) - The Abolition of the Shia Doctrines - The Coronation of Nadir Shah.

CHAPTER LXXI

THE CONQUESTS OF NADIR SHAH

The Punitive Expedition against the Bakhtiaris - The Afghan Campaign, AH 1150-1151 (1737-1738) - The Expedition of Riza Kuli Mirza against Balkh - The State of India in AH 1151 (1738) - The Negotiations - The Invasion of India - The Battle of Karnal, AH 1151 (1738) - The Surrender of Delhi and its Spoils - The Massacre - The Marriage of Nasrulla Khan - The Results of the Campaign - The Sind Expedition, AH 1151-1152 (1739) - The Campaign against Bokhara, AH 1153 (1740) - The Conquest of Khiva, AH 1153 (1740) - Nadir Shah at the Zenith of his Power.

CHAPTER LXXII

THE LAST YEARS OF NADIR SHAH

The Lesghian Campaign, 1741-1742 - The Blinding of Riza Kuli Mirza - Rebellions in Persia, 1743-1744 - The Last Campaign against Turkey, 1743-1745 - The Pioneer Journeys of Elton, 1739-1742 - The Adventures of Jonas Hanway, 1743 - The Closing of British Trade across the Caspian, 1746 - The Naval Ambitions of Nadir Shah - The Assassination of Nadir Shah, AH 1160 (1747) - His Character.

CHAPTER LXXIII

THE SHORT-LIVED ZAND DYNASTY

Ahmad Khan, Durrani - Adil Shah, AH 1160-1161 (1747-1748) - Shah Rukh - The Origin of the Kajar Tribe - Mohamed Husayn Khan, Kajar - Azad the Afghan and Mardan Ali Khan, Bakhtiari - Karim Khan, Zand – The Triangular Contest for Power - The Final Campaign, AH 1171 (1757) - The Reign of Karim Khan, AH 1163-1193 (1750-1779) - The Occupation of Kharak by the Dutch - The Foundation of the English Factory at Bushire, A.D. 1763 - The Expedition against Basra, AH 1189-1190 (1775-1776) - Zaki Khan - Abul Fatteh, Ali Murad, and Sadik - The Reign of Ali Murad, AH 1196-1199 (1782-1785) - Jafar, AH 1199-1203 (1785-1789) - The Accession of Lutf Ali Khan - The Expedition of Lutf Ali against Kerman, AH.1205 (1790) - Haji Ibrahim - His Successful Plot - The Campaigns of Lutf Ali Khan against Aga Mohamed - The Final Act of the Drama, AH 1208 (1794) - The Fate of Kerman -The Downfall of the Zand Dynasty.

CHAPTER LXXIV

THE FOUNDING OF THE KAJAR DYNASTY

Aga Mohamed Khan, Kajar - The Expulsion of a Russian Expedition by Aga Mohamed, AD 1781 –The Independent Provinces of Persia - The Neighboring States - The Invasion of Georgia, AH 1209 (1795) - The Coronation of Aga Mohamed Khan, AH 1210 (1796) - The Reduction of Khorasan, AH 1210 (1796) - The Russian Invasion, AH 1210 (1796) - The Assassination of Aga Mohamed Khan, A.H. 1211 (1797) - His Character - The Accession of Fath AliShah -Various Pretenders.

CHAPTER LXXV

BRITISH AND FRENCH MISSIONS AT THE COURT OF FATH ALI SHAH

The Afghan Question - The Mission of Mehdi Ali Khan, 1799 - The French Peril to India - Malcolm's First Mission, 1800 - The Persian Embassy to India, 1802 - The Downfall of Haji Ibrahim - The Second Rebellion of Husayn Kuli Khan - The Execution of Nadir Mirza, AH 1216 (1802) - The Expulsion of the Afghans from Narmashir and Sistan - French Overtures to Persia, 1802-1804 - The First French Mission, 1805 - The Treaty of Finkenstein, 1807 - The Gardanne Mission, 1807-1808 - The Fight for Power in Afghanistan, 1799-1808 - Malcolm's Second Mission, 1808 -The Mission of Sir Harford Jones, 1808-1809 -Malcolm's Third Mission, 1810 -The Embassy of Haji Mirza Abul Hasan Khan, 1809-1810 - The Appointment of Sir Gore Ousely, 1811 - The Definitive Treaty, 1814.

CHAPTER LXXVI

THE DISASTROUS CAMPAIGNS WITH RUSSIA

The Annexation of Georgia by Russia, 1800 - The Two Campaigns against Russia - The Persian Army under Abbas Mirza - The Erivan Campaign, 1804 - The Russian Descent on Gilan - The Battle of Aslanduz, 1812 - The Treaty of Gulistan, 1813 - Risings in Persia - The Embassy of General Yermeloff, 1817 - Afghan Campaigns, 1805 and 1817-1818 - Hostilities with Turkey, AH 1236-1238 (1821-1823) - The Dispute about Gokcha and its Seizure by Russia, 1825 - Initial Persian Successes - The Battle of Shamkar - The Battle of Ganja, 26th September 1826 - The Avarice of Fath Ali Shah - The Capture of Erivan, 1827 - The Surrender of Tabriz, 1827 - The Treaty of Turkomanchai, 1828 - The Modification of the Definitive Treaty with Great Britain - The Murder of M. Grebaiodov, 1828.

CHAPTER LXXVII

PERSIAN AGGRESSION ON AFGHANISTAN

The Trend of Persian Policy, 1832-1857 - The Campaign of Abbas Mirza in Khorasan, 1832 - Anglo-Russian Antagonism in Central Asia - The Siege of Herat and the Death of Abbas Mirza, 1833 - The Death of Path Ali Shah, 1834 - The Accession of Mohamed Shah, 1834 - The Second British Military Mission - Haji Mirza Aghasi - The Afghan Policy of Mohamed Shah - The Rise of Dost Mohamed - The Burnes Mission - The Promises of Vitkavich - The Second Siege of Herat, 1837-1838 - The First Afghan War, 1838-1842 - The British Mission to Herat, 1839-1841 - The Settlement with Persia - The Rebellion of Aga Khan, 1840-1841 - Perso-Turkish Relations, 1842-1843 - The Death of Mohamed Shah, 1848.

CHAPTER LXXVIII

THE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE PERSO-AFGHAN QUESTION

The Accession of Nasir-u-Din, 1848 - Mirza Taki Khan, Amir-i-Nizam - The Rebellion of the Salar - The Bab - His Doctrines - The Fortunes of the Babis - Babi Plots and Risings, 1850-1852 - Foundation of the Russian Naval Station at Ashurada, 1840 - The Fall of the Amir-i-Nizam, 1851 - The Herat Question, 1851-1853 - Russian Negotiations with Persia, 1853-1855 - The Breach with Great Britain, 1855 - The Anglo-Afghan Alliance, 1855 - The Change of Rulers at Herat, 1855 - The Occupation of Herat by Persia, 1856 - The Second British Treaty with Dost Mohamed, 1857 - British Operations against Persia, 1856-1857 - The Conclusion of Peace, 1857 - The New Ruler of Herat - The Assertion of Persian Authority on the Persian Gulf Littoral.

CHAPTER LXXIX

THE ENVELOPMENT OF PERSIA

The Advance of Russia in Central Asia -The First Khivan Expedition, 1839-1840 - The Russian Advance to the Sea of Aral, 1847 - The Occupation of the Valley of the Sir Darya, 1849- 1864 - Russian Relations with Bokhara, 1842-1868 - The Conquest of Khiva, 1873 -Persian Campaigns against the Turkoman, 1857-1860 - The Crushing of the Turkoman by Russia, 1881 - The Effect on Persia - The Capture of Herat by Dost Mohamed, 1863 - The Makran Boundary Commission, 1870-1871 - The Sistan Question. The First Phase, 1863-1870-  The Sistan Arbitration Commission, 1872 - The Perso -Baluch Boundary Commission, 1896 - The Second Sistan Arbitration Commission, 1903-1905- The Perso-Turkish Boundary Summary.

CHAPTER LXXX

THE AWAKENING OF PERSIA

The Question of Telegraphic Communication between England and India - The First Telegraph Line in Persia, 1864 - The Indo-European Telegraph Lines - Their Influence on Persia - The Cossack Brigade - The Reuter Concession, 1872 - The Opening of the Karun, 1888 - The Imperial Bank of Persia, 1889 - The Tobacco Regie, 1890-1892 - The Assassination of Nasir-u-Din - The Financial Difficulties of Muzaffar-u-Din - The Russian Bank - Persian Loans - The Belgian Customs Administration - The New Customs Tariff - An Analysis of the New Tariff - The Action of the British Government - Ali Asghar Khan, the Atabeg-i-Aazam - Anglo-Russian Rivalry.

CHAPTER LXXXI

THE STATE OF PERSIA BEFORE THE REVOLUTION

The Old Order and the New - The Powers of the Shah - His Duties - The Grand Vizier  -The Machinery of Government - Justice - Punishments - Revenue - Taxation - A Persian Village - A Persian Peasant - The Tribesmen.

CHAPTER LXXXII

THE GRANT OF A CONSTITUTION TO PERSIA

The Origin of the Constitutional Movement - Sayyid Jamal-u-Din - Prince Malkom Khan - The Ayn-u-Dola - The Visit to England of Muzaffar-u-Din, 1902 - The Condition of Persia before the Revolution - The First Bast, December 1905 - The Exodus to Kum, 1906 -  The Great Bast in the British Legation, August, 1906 - The Magna Charta of Persia - The Regulations for the Assembly - The Opening of the National Assembly, October, 1906 - The Signing of the Constitution The New Order.