Ancient Iran - Persepolis Aspects of Darius' government, summary of religion, articles on the archaeological excavations and the 80's discovery of ancient silver. Paragraphs on Early Indigenous States, Foreign Rule, and Modern Times. 640-500 B.C. Eventually spanning from Libya and Macedonia in the West to the end of the Persian Gulf in the East, maps show the outlines of each empire. The Cradle of Civilization Short history of Mesopotamia, Hammurabi, and the Hanging Gardens.
Page continues with more modern history.
Cyrus the Great Page on the Persian king includes a map of his empire. Empire of Cyrus II 529 BC Map of the Empire of Cyrus II, from Frank Smitha's site. Extending from the Aegean Sea to the Aral and South past Jerusalem. Interactive Map of Parthia Requires shockwave, but there's an alternative gif image. Instructions are on the site for zooming in or out on the topographical map.