The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran

The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran


Latest Episodes

Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (2)
October 30, 2024

Reza Khan's army marches toward Arabistan, Khaz'al tries to unite local tribes against the government and the battle for Arabistan reaches its breaking point.

Book One – Special Episode: Arabistan (1)
October 16, 2024

A defiant Sheikh, a province rich in oil, and Reza Khans push to unify a fractured Iran. The story of Arabistan and how one local tribe became the biggest threat to Persia.

Book One – Ep.10: Brave New World
August 21, 2024

In the season finale of the podcast, Reza Khan aims for total control, the young shah flees his country and Iran braces itself for a brave new world.

Book One – Ep.9: The Coup
August 07, 2024

How a journalist and a military lieutenant orchestrated the 1921 coup dtat and how Reza Khan gained control of Irans military and became an influential player in the government.

Book One – Ep.8: APOC
July 10, 2024

The biggest oil field the world had ever seen, a foreign military occupation and a socialist revolution in the north. As Russia's influence wanes, Britain seizes control of Iran's newfound oil wealth

Book One – Ep.7: The Great War
June 19, 2024

As the great war breaks out in Europe, Persia is turned into the ultimate proxy battleground. The story of the First World War and how British, Russian, and German forces competed for control in Iran.

Book One – Ep.6: Russian Roulette
May 29, 2024

An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends Morgan Shuster to help Iran's finances, and Russia invades. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how the Russian influence im

Book One – Ep.5: Battle of Tehran
May 15, 2024

Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How battle of Tehran reshaped the future of democracy in Iran and how

Book One – Ep.4: The Bombardment
May 01, 2024

The battle for Iran's constitutional democracy rages on as the reactionary forces of Mohammad Ali Shah lay siege to the Parliament. In the aftermath of brutal bombardment, pockets of resistance emerge

Book One – Ep.3: Tale of Two Shahs
April 17, 2024

What comes after establishing democracy in a nation? Protecting it at all costs. In this episode, the ideals of democracy clash with the limitations of Islam and the new Shah maneuvers to undermine t