It happened 2500 years ago that East and West were at war with each other. In the 5th century BC, a global superpower was determined to bring truth and order to two states it considered terrorist rogue states. The superpower was Persia, whose kings had founded the first world empire. The terrorist states were Athens and Sparta, independent cities in a remote, poor, and mountainous land: Greece. The story of how the citizens of this country resisted and defeated the most powerful man in the world is one of the most impressive episodes in history. "Persian Fire" not only provides a dramatic portrayal of this great conflict but also offers a unique overall picture of East and West. From the priests in Babylon to the secret police of the Spartans, from the luxurious gardens of the Persians to those of the Athenians.