In order to accomplish, without confusion, the design of the present work, we shall divide it into three parts. In Part First is presented a compendious account, individually, of the various ancient nations which were ultimately included in the Persian Empire, commencing with the earliest times, and ending at the date of the formation of that empire. In Part Second is traced the history of the Persian Empire from its commencement to its close, and also continue the history of the various Oriental nations that had been included in it during the subsequent period of Greek and Roman rule—thus connecting the general history of the East in a more particular manner with Greek and Roman history. Lastly, in Part Third, a survey is given of those portions of the ancient world which were not included in the Persian Empire—ascertaining, as far as possible, their primeval condition; noting the nations of any eminence that had thus early appeared in them; and giving a summary of the known history of these nations, either to the time of their fusion with the Roman Empire, if that event befell them, or till recent times, if they escaped that fate.