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Embark on a rare and extraordinary journey to explore the dazzling art and culture of a civilization with a two-thousand-year history, and the ancient empire it helped create. The land in this story has two names: Persia – ancient, mysterious, and adventurous, where powerful kings built magnificent temples and palaces beyond imagination; and Iran – proud, isolated, and indifferent to external interference. BBC Studios has been granted unprecedented permission to film in Iran, showcasing the extraordinary history and civilization of this ancient nation. From the labyrinthine bazaars to the ancient capital of the Persian kings, Persepolis, and the Zoroastrian fire temple where the sacred flame has burned for over a thousand years, presenter and journalist Samira Ahmed leads viewers on a unique and unforgettable journey. In three episodes, Samira will reveal the significant role of Persian civilization in history, delving deeper into its repeated periods of glory and decline. Along this journey, Samira makes a significant discovery: the Persians once nearly lost their identity, until a book emerged that allowed them to rediscover themselves and bring about the revival of Persian culture – the Shahnameh. This epic masterpiece, which Ferdowsi devoted his life to, failed to earn him the praise and wealth he hoped for during his lifetime, but it has endured long after his death. The Shahnameh not only sparked a revival of Persian language and culture but also became a vital link preserving Persian traditions through centuries of dynastic changes and social transformations, providing a firm foundation for the cultural identity of the Iranian people.