History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 9 (of 12)

An account of ancient Iranian religion presents Zoroastrian elements—the Avesta, Ahura‑mazda and his adversaries, priestly rites, funerary customs, temple worship and sacred fire practices. The narrative then traces the rise of Persian power through revolt against Median rule, campaigns in Lydia and Babylonia, and the capture of Babylon with consequences for subject populations. Coverage moves to the Persian conquest of Egypt, attendant legends and a phase of usurpation followed by a new royal consolidation. The closing chapters analyze imperial administration and logistics — satrapies, military organization, taxation by daric coin, royal couriers and oversight — and the empire’s eastern expansion and tensions with Greek states.