(Download) "On Torture and the Achaemenids (Report)" by The Journal of the American Oriental Society # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: On Torture and the Achaemenids (Report)
- Author : The Journal of the American Oriental Society
- Release Date : January 01, 2009
- Genre: Social Science,Books,Nonfiction,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 183 KB
Description
The thesis of Bruce Lincoln's new book is stated on p. xv: This book takes on a very weighty project, one presenting both historical arguments and reflections on empire in general. Working backward through the thesis, the book attempts to contemplate the Achaemenid empire in a way that sheds light on current events--particularly the American occupation of Iraq starting in 2003. Although this is only a small part of the book, it frames the argument (and appears in the title) and therefore deserves careful consideration. As a historical argument, I find this part of Lincoln's thesis unpersuasive; it relies upon an outmoded view of the Achaemenid empire, yet his general reflections on empire certainly strike home, and are poignant and jarring. Yet I think these also miss the mark when he applies them to Achaemenid history. While certainly correct in general, they fail to take into account the complexities of power in empire.