Esther is the most visual book of the Hebrew Bible and largely crafted in the Fourth Century BCE by an author who was clearly au fait with the rarefied world of the Achaemenid court. It therefore provides an unusual melange of information which can enlighten scholars of Ancient Iranian Studies whilst offering Biblical scholars access into the Persian world from which the text emerged.In this book, Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones unlocks the text of Esther by reading it against the rich iconographic world of ancient Persia and of the Near East. Ancient Persia and the Book of Esther is a cultural and iconographic exploration of an important, but often undervalued, biblical book, and Llewellyn-Jones presents the book of Esther as a rich source for the study of life and thought in the Persian Empire. The author reveals answers to important questions, such as the role of the King's courtiers in influencing policy, the way concubines at court were recruited, the structure of the harem in shifting the power of royal women, the function of feasting and drinking in the articulation of courtly power, and the meaning of gift-giving and patronage at the Achaemenid court.

IntroductionWhy Iconography? The Book of Esther: A New English TranslationExegesisi: The Persian Empireii: Jews in a Persian worldiii: The Book of Records: Persian perceptions of their pastiv: Persian Kingshipv: Susa and the palaces of Persiavi: Laws and Governance; tax and tribute vii: Banquets: drinking and feastingviii: Gardens - Paradeisoi ix: Couches and cups ; thrones and sceptresx: Courtiersxi: Vashti and her women xii: Elite women at the Persian courtxiii: Royal concubinagexiv: Beauty and sexuality xv: Eunuchsxvi: The royal gatexvii: Royal protocol: audiences and formality xviii: The royal robe and gift-giving xix: Persian horses xx: Signet rings and sealsxxi: Communications xxii: Peace and rebellion xxiii: Punishments and execution Epilogue: Visualising Esther in the post-Persian world (5,000 words)