Lecture 3. Persia, in late Medieval times

The structure of the lecture focuses on six cities of the greater area of Persia relating to the three travellers Marco Polo, Zheng He and Ibn Battuta and which were flourishing cultural and commercial centers of the Medieval era. The lecture begins with the main cities of mainland Persia, including the traditional Imperial capitals of Isfahan, Shiraz and Yaz. Kerman, on the other hand was the capital of khanates and kingdoms of the southeastern dessert plain. While on the northern province of Persian Azerbaijan lies the wealthy city of Tabriz. And on the southern coast towards the Persian Gulf, the medieval kingdom of Hormuz was the most important trade port along the Silk Roads and dominated both sides of the Gulf.


supporting documents:

Handout

Lecture Notes

Quiz with Answers