Persia (ancient Iran) occupies an important place among the great civilizations of the ancient world. The many splendid achievements of the early inhabitants of Iran range from the imaginatively painted pottery of the prehistoric period to the magnificent silver vessels of Sasanian times, and include the Luristan bronzes and the spectacular sculptures of Persepolis. Civilization began early in Iran, as it did elsewhere in the Ancient Near East, and the author traces the history, archaeology and art from the growth of settled communities in about 6000 BC through to the beginning of the Islamic period in the seventh century AD. This introduction is illustrated throughout with many examples drawn from the rich collection of Iranian antiquities in the British Museum.