Old Persian is an Old Iranian language spoken in the southwestern areas of the Iranian plateau. The language's main textual resources are Achaemenid royal inscriptions. These inscriptions are highly significant for studying Achaemenid history (6th-3rd cent. BCE) and Iranian religions in antiquity. Compared to Mesopotamian cuneiform, their simplified cuneiform script allowed scholars to decipher all of these cuneiform scripts
The Old Persian corpus is relatively small, and its texts are repetitive, making it ideal for learning the language. This course will introduce you to Old Persian, the Achaemenid inscriptions, and the history of Iranian religions during this period.
The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Completing the weekly exercises is required to earn the corresponding credit points.
- Kursleiter/in: Kianoosh Rezania