Empire of the Mind offers the reader a compelling overview of Iranian history from the earliest times up to the present day. It highlights the uniqueness of Iranian identity, as one of the oldest continuing civilisationsin the world. In doing so, as well as covering military and dynastic matters, it emphasises the role of cultural and intellectual movements in Iran in order to demonstrate how Iran has had an influence in the Middle East and Asia beyond her borders through the power of Persianate culture, rather than through conventional political and military means - an Empire of the Mind as much as an Empire of the Sword.