Tehran, Aug 28, IRNA-British Museum in London is scheduled to hold an exhibition on the great ancient Iranian empire, the Persian-language daily 'Abrar' reported Sunday.

The British Museum is preparing the ground to hold an exhibition entitled 'The Forgotten Empire, The World of Ancient Iran' from September 9, 2005 though January 8, 2006 in the premises of the museum, wrote the paper quoting a statement issued by British Museum.

The exhibition is aimed at displaying some parts of magnificent civilization and culture of Iran during ancient times from 550-330 B.C when Iranian kings ruled vast lands from northern Africa to the Indus River, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf, said the statement.

Holding outstanding collections of world cultures, British Museum is to portray Iranians as a civilized nation who sought peace and compromise and showed a great deal of tolerance towards strange religions.

Tehran-based Iran Bastan Museum and Paris Louvre Museum will participate in the exhibition by lending some 400 precious pieces belonging to Iran's ancient empire to British Museum.

Alexander the Great put an end to the Iranian empire when he launched his campaigns in 334 BC. and Macedonian army encountered the Persian army under King Darius. Alexander defeated the Persians in 333 BC and Darius escaped his lands. It is said that Alexander found Darius dead in 330 BC and accorded a royal funeral to him.

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