IRANIAN HISTORY
An ancient civilisation. A living legacy. From the founding of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in 550 BC to the 1953 coup and Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran’s story spans more than three millennia. Across that time, it has faced conquest and rivalry with Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Mongols, Turks and others, yet endured, preserving and continually reshaping a distinct Persian language, culture and identity. Along the way, Persian civilisation left an extraordinary mark on the wider world, across religion and governance, science and mathematics, engineering and irrigation, literature, philosophy, architecture and the arts. And left in the trail of this extraordinary history are the country’s countless ancient cities, palaces, temples, mosques, gardens, bazaars, tombs and archaeological treasures - as featured in it’s 29 UNESCO World Heritage sites…
From ancient ruins to stunning mosques and landscapes, discover just a few of Iran’s 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Tom Holland is a renowned British author, historian, and broadcaster specializing in classical history and the origins of Western civilization
Ancient IRANIAN History
CRACKED/Hillarious Helmet Histories examines the accuracy of the movie 300, unveiling some notable facts about the history of the Persian Empire. Source: YouTube, 2016
British art historian and former director of the British Museum Neil MacGregor on the significance of the Cyrus Cylinder. Source: YouTube, 2020
Historical Vlogger John Green from CrashCourse examines ancient Persian-Greek rivalry and, in the process, offers a useful introduction to ancient Persian history. Source: YouTube, 2012
Distinguished journalist Samira Ahmed starts her epic trek through Persia’s rich history in this Persian Empire three-part BBC documentary series.
This event featured Tom Holland in an illustrated conversation with Ali Ansari, discussing the role of the Persians in world civilisation and looking at their contributions to religion, philosophy, politics, literature and wider culture, including horticulture and fashion. From Paradise and the walled garden to the business suit and the high heel: what has been the impact of ‘Persia’ on the Western imagination?
Dr. Roy Casagranda explains the key events in shaping the current state of Iran over the last 125 years. This video covers the 1901 oil concession to Britain, the 1953 CIA-backed coup against Prime Minister Mossadegh, the rise and rule of the Shah, the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and the collapse of the reform movement. It explores how foreign intervention, domestic repression, and cultural shifts have shaped Iran’s political system, economy, and relationship with the West — offering context for current tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the broader Middle East.
A tour through just a few of Iran’s UNESECO world heritage sites.
10 Surprising inventions (still used today) given to us by the Persians
BBC Radio 4 Discussion on Zoroastrianism -the world’s oldest monotheistic religion, founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) in ancient Persia around 1500–1000 BCE. It significantly influenced later religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In this fascinating Ted Talk Neil MacGregor, former Director of the British Museum, traces 2,600 years of Persian history through the Cyrus Cylinder. Source: YouTube, 2012
Our Daily Bread presents a fascinating insight into the little known role of Iran (Persia) in the Bible. Source: YouTube, 2020
Documentary (Dr. Farzin Rezaeian) reconstructing 7,000 years of Iranian history. Source: Vimeo, 2013
Modern IRANIAN History
1953 CIA Coup
KJ Vids summary of the the 1953 CIA Coup that disposed fierce nationalist ruler, Mohammed Mossadegh. Source: Youtube, 2017.
2013 CNN report on the CIA's recently admitted involvement in the 1953 overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister, Mohammed Mossadegh. Source: Youtube, 2013
The Pahlavi Dynasty
British Pathe footage of the 1967 coronation of the last Shah (king) of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Source: Youtube, 2014
British Pathe footage of the last Shah of Iran and his queen Farah Diba, hosting Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom in 1961. Much more British Pathe footage covering 20th-century Iranian history can be found on youtube and the British Pathe website. Source: Youtube, 2014
AP Archive - Shah of Iran interviewed on a range of subjects in 1978
1979 Islamic Revolution
Historical Vlogger John Green from CrashCourse explains and examines Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Source: Youtube, 2015
Wall Street Journal offers a brief overview of Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. Source: Youtube, 2015