5,000 years of Persian history in 15 objects

Iran was home to one of the great historic civilisations, yet many of its monumental artistic achievements remain little known. In this selection of 15 objects, you can explore 5,000 years of Iranian art, design and culture, from the earliest known writing – signalling the beginning of history in Iran – through to the 1979 Revolution and beyond.


Header image:

Book of Constellations, Persian translation of Kitāb ṣuwar al-kawākib, probably Mashhad, 1630s, Iran. Museum no. IS.2325-1883. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London