Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part II: Old Persian

This episode delves into the rich history of Old Persian and Middle Iranian epigraphy, exploring the evolution and significance of inscriptions and manuscripts from the pre-Islamic period. We begin by defining inscriptions and manuscripts, noting the materials they were crafted on and their various purposes, from public proclamations to administrative documents. We then examine the classification of inscriptions by size, language, and style, with notable examples such as the monumental inscription of Darius I at Bīsotūn. The discussion highlights the primary Iranian languages used in inscriptions: Old Persian, Middle Persian, Parthian, Chorasmian, Sogdian, and Bactrian. These inscriptions, often trilingual, reflect the multinational nature of the Achaemenid, Parthian, Sasanian, and Kushan empires, necessitating attention to non-Iranian languages like Babylonian, Elamite, Aramaic, Greek, Sanskrit, and Middle Indian. The episode also addresses the underdeveloped state of Iranian epigraphy, with significant contributions from the Corpus Inscriptionum Iranicarum and other key archaeological reports. We then explore the pivotal discoveries and methodologies that advanced the field, including the identification and decipherment of Old Persian by early scholars. The episode concludes with an overview of the Old Persian royal inscriptions found across various sites, their linguistic significance, and the insights they provide into Achaemenid administration and culture.

For a better understanding, please review my previous episode on Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part I which serves as a preamble to this discussion.