Looks at the realms of three Arab dynasties. Students will explore the ancient capitals of Persepolis, Iran, which features the palace of Darius I, king of ancient Persia and ruler of the Achaemenid dynasty, and Isfahan, Iran, the ancient town that Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty chose to make the capital of Persia in the 16th century. Finally, journey to the mysterious desert oasis of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a celebrated city on the Silk Road and home to the Registan Mosque, built during the Timurid dynasty.

Features : discussion questions and activities. Originally produced for the television series : "Treasures of the world, heritage of mankind", between 2000 and 2003. Based on an idea by Gustav-Adolf Bähr.