GREEK VIEWS ON ACHAEMENID PERSIA DURING THE IMPERIAL PERIOD: BETWEEN CONTINUITY AND INNOVATION

The present paper explores Greek views on Achaemenid Persia during the imperial period. Although deeply influenced by their classical counterparts, Greek intellectuals of the imperial period put forward new interpretations of several Achaemenid practices and institutions. These innovative approaches reinforced even further the disparagement of a nation that represented not only the historical enemy of Greece but also the progenitor of Parthia, Rome’s current main opponent in the East.