John W.I. Lee

John W. I. Lee is a distinguished professor of ancient history at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

He specializes in Iranian history and has received numerous academic honors, including the Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award and the Harold J. Plous Memorial Award.

Lee's expertise in Persian history is evident in his approach to teaching, as he strives to present a balanced view of the Persian Empire by incorporating diverse sources beyond traditional Greek accounts.

His research includes studying American textbooks from the 19th and 20th centuries to understand the evolution of perceptions about Persia.

Lee's work aims to challenge stereotypes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Persian Empire's significance in world history.