As the war in Iraq continues, historians will offer insights to the conflicts by discussing the area's past at a seminar — "The World of Ancient Persia: Achaemenid Archaeology, History and Religion." The event aims to "bring a global perspective to ancient history," said Touraj Daryaee, CSUF associate professor of history. "It's important because the Middle East is very much in the news today and needs to be discussed."

Saturday, March 18
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (schedule follows)

The keynote speakers are Kamyar Abdi, a Dartmouth College assistant professor of anthropology, and Ali Mousavi, a UC Berkeley archaeology associate. Abdi, a native of Iran, specializes in Middle East research. Presently, he is conducting archaeological surveys and excavations in the western and southern Zagros Mountains in Iran. Mousavi, also a native of Iran, is an expert in Achaemenid architecture and archaeology, as well as late Medieval art and archaeology in Iran and Europe.

10-10:30 a.m.
Introductions by Thomas Klammer, dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Touraj Daryaee, CSUF associate professor of history

Session I—10:30 a.m. -noon
Achaemenid Persians: Native and Western Perspectives
Speakers: James Harrington and Warren Soward, CSUF graduate students, and Khodadad Rezakhani, UCLA graduate student

Session II—1:30-3:30 p.m.
The Persian Religious World
Speakers: Jennifer Rose, Claremont Graduate University adjunct professor of religion; and Touraj Daryaee, CSUF associate professor of history

Session III—3:30-6 p.m.
In Search of Achaemenid Persians
M. Rahim Shayegan, Musa Sabi assistant professor of Iranian at UCLA; Kamyar Abdi, assistant professor of anthropology at Dartmouth College; and Ali Mousavi, UC Berkeley archaeology associate

Touraj Daryaee, History Department, 657-278-3673 or tdaryaee@fullerton.edu
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu