Description
Book SynopsisPolitics of the past: The Representation of the Ancient Empires by Iran’s Modern States' examines the highly problematic politics of the past surrounding the archaeology of ancient empires in Iran. Being indigenous, the authors regard the relations between archaeological remains, (negative) heritage, and modern strategies of suppression. The chapters provide a detailed analysis of how the practice of archaeology could be biased and ideologically charged. Discussing their own personal and professional experiences, the authors exemplify the real (ethical) dilemmas that archaeologists confront in the Middle East, calling for reflectivity and awareness among the archaeologists of the region. The text is accompanied by visual deconstruction of ancient rock reliefs to indicate the possibility of alternative histories.
Table of ContentsForeword; Chapter 1. Governments, Archaeologists, and the Lasting Remains of Ancient Empires in the Middle East; Chapter 2. Take Your feet off Me! Achaemenids Depicted in Reliefs and Inscriptions; Chapter 3. Get off Your Horse! Sasanian Propaganda in Artistic Remains; Chapter 4. Nationalism and the Reproduction of the Ancient Kings/Empires by Iran’s Modern States; Chapter 5. Kings Riding Bikes: Towards the Deconstruction of Official Nationalist Archaeology; Acknowledgement; Glossary; Bibliography; Index
