Behistun Inscription

Definition

The Behistun Inscription is a multilingual inscription carved on a cliff in western Iran, created during the reign of Darius the Great around 520 BCE. This monumental text is significant for its role in providing crucial historical insights and serving as a key to understanding ancient Persian civilization, including the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire and the promotion of Darius's legitimacy as king.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Behistun Inscription was created to commemorate Darius's victory over a series of revolts that challenged his rule shortly after he ascended to the throne.
2. It features three scripts: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, which helped linguists, including Henry Rawlinson in the 19th century, to decode cuneiform writing.
3. The inscription covers historical events and lists the names of 19 rebellious leaders whom Darius defeated, thus solidifying his claim to power.
4. The Behistun Inscription is often regarded as the Rosetta Stone of ancient Persian languages due to its trilingual nature and its role in understanding cuneiform script.
5. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a vital archaeological resource for studying ancient Persia and its history.

Review Questions

• What are the main historical events documented in the Behistun Inscription, and how do they reflect Darius the Great's leadership?
  • The Behistun Inscription documents Darius's military campaigns against various rebellions that arose after he became king. It details his victories over 19 different insurgent leaders, showcasing his strength and legitimacy as a ruler. This not only reflects Darius's effective leadership but also highlights his ability to consolidate power in a diverse empire facing internal challenges.
• Discuss how the discovery of the Behistun Inscription contributed to our understanding of ancient Persian languages and history.
  • The discovery of the Behistun Inscription was pivotal for deciphering cuneiform script because it provided a trilingual account in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. Scholars like Henry Rawlinson used this text to make significant breakthroughs in understanding these ancient languages. The inscription also offers invaluable insights into the political landscape and administrative practices of the Achaemenid Empire during Darius’s reign, revealing how he sought to legitimize his rule through military success.
• Evaluate the broader significance of the Behistun Inscription in shaping perceptions of ancient Persian civilization in both historical and modern contexts.
  • The Behistun Inscription serves as a critical artifact for understanding not just Darius's reign but also the culture, politics, and languages of ancient Persia. Its role as a linguistic key has allowed modern historians and archaeologists to uncover much about Persian society, governance, and ideology. Furthermore, it influences contemporary views on imperial legitimacy and power dynamics in empires by demonstrating how rulers used monumental inscriptions to convey their narratives. The inscription's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site also highlights its lasting significance in global heritage and scholarship.

Related terms

Achaemenid Empire:

The first Persian Empire founded by Cyrus the Great, which became one of the largest empires in history and included significant territories across three continents.

Cuneiform: An ancient writing system used in Mesopotamia, notable for its wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which was adapted by various civilizations including the Persians.

Darius the Great: The third king of the Achaemenid Empire who expanded its territories and is best known for his administrative reforms and the construction of monumental architecture, including the Behistun Inscription.