Behistun Inscription

Definition

The Behistun Inscription is a monumental relief and inscription created by Darius the Great of Persia around 520 BCE, detailing his achievements and the establishment of his rule. This inscription is crucial for understanding the Persian Empire as it provides insights into Darius's authority, the challenges he faced, and the empire's administrative practices. Additionally, it served as a key to deciphering cuneiform script, shedding light on ancient Persian language and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Behistun Inscription is carved into a cliff face in western Iran and is about 15 meters high and 25 meters wide.
2. It is written in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian, showcasing the linguistic diversity of the empire.
3. The inscription recounts Darius's rise to power, including his victories over rebels and rivals who challenged his authority after the death of Cambyses II.
4. The Behistun Inscription played a vital role in modern archaeology as it was essential for deciphering cuneiform script in the 19th century.
5. The site was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006 due to its historical significance and unique art.

Review Questions

• How does the Behistun Inscription reflect Darius the Great's approach to consolidating power within the Persian Empire?
  • The Behistun Inscription illustrates Darius's strategic approach to consolidating his power by documenting his military victories and establishing legitimacy. By detailing his defeats of various challengers, he reinforced his image as a strong leader who restored order after a period of instability. The inscription served not only as a propaganda tool to assert his authority but also communicated to subjects across the vast empire that he was divinely sanctioned to rule.
• Analyze the significance of the Behistun Inscription in relation to ancient Persian culture and language.
  • The Behistun Inscription is significant for ancient Persian culture as it highlights the importance of record-keeping and communication within a diverse empire. By using three different languages—Old Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian—the inscription reflects the multicultural makeup of the Achaemenid Empire. Additionally, its role in decoding cuneiform script illustrates how such inscriptions were crucial for understanding not just political history but also linguistic evolution and cultural exchange in ancient times.
• Evaluate how the discoveries related to the Behistun Inscription have impacted our understanding of empires in antiquity, particularly in terms of governance and cultural integration.
  • Discoveries related to the Behistun Inscription have profoundly impacted our understanding of ancient empires by revealing how they managed governance and cultural integration. The inscription demonstrates how Darius employed language as a tool for administration and propaganda, allowing him to connect with various ethnic groups under his rule. Furthermore, it emphasizes how inscriptions like these served to legitimize rulers while providing historical records that inform contemporary scholars about political dynamics and cultural practices in ancient civilizations.

Related terms

Darius the Great: The third king of the Persian Empire who expanded its territories and implemented administrative reforms to strengthen central control.

Cuneiform: An ancient writing system used in the Near East, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, notably used by the Sumerians and later adapted by the Persians.

Achaemenid Empire: The first Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, which expanded under subsequent rulers like Darius and Xerxes.