Introduction. The sources -- Prehistory and formation of the empire (c.750-520). The Medes ; Cyrus the Great ; The reign of Cambyses ; From Cambyses to Darius I -- Achaemenid history and its problems. The empire under Darius I : expansion, revolt, consolidation ; The reign of Xerxes ; From Artaxerxes I to the last years of Darius II (465-405) ; Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III (405-338) ; The fall of the Achaemenid empire (338-330) -- Kings and kingship. Images of empire, visions of majesty and the divine framework ; The organisation of the court ; Mechanisms of power -- Achaemenid imperial organisation. Tribute, tax, imposts ; Routes and communication networks ; Bureaucracy, production, settlement ; Unity and diversity.