[Wuli]

In the ancient world, Persia was more part of "the west", Greco-Roman civiliation (which spread to Europe) than was the areas that later became France, England, Germany, etc.

[USConstitutionBuff]

Amazing that Persia is part of the west, when it was always referred to as the exotic east.

So if they are advanced and civilized that changes their geographical locale? While civilized they were 'western' but when they sank into 12th century depravity they are suddenly the 'east' again?

[Antoninus]

In the ancient world, Persia was more part of "the west", Greco-Roman civiliation (which spread to Europe) than was the areas that later became France, England, Germany, etc.

Even the Romans and Greeks referred to Persia as the "East", considered them "barbarians" and recognized the vast difference between the two civilizations. In terms of governmental structure (absolute monarchy), religion (Magian fire worship), philosophy, law, art, and literature, there were obvious differences. That is not to say there isn't much that is praiseworthy about Persian culture and that the East and West didn't borrow heavily from each other. But to say that Persia was part of the "West" is, in my opinion, not accurate.