Ancient Iranian peoples refer to the various ethnolinguistic groups that inhabited the Iranian plateau and surrounding regions from ancient times until the Islamic period. These ancient Iranian peoples played a significant role in shaping the history, culture, and languages of the region.
One prominent group of ancient Iranian peoples were the Persians, who established the expansive Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, becoming one of the largest empires in history. They were known for their sophisticated administration, architectural achievements, and respect for cultural diversity. Another important ancient Iranian people were the Medes, who were among the early settlers in Iran and formed the Median Empire in the 7th century BCE. This empire laid the foundation for the Persian Empire that followed.
Other significant ancient Iranian peoples include the Parthians, who established the powerful Parthian Empire in the 3rd century BCE, and the Sasanians, who founded the Sasanian Empire in the 3rd century CE, marking the last dynasty of ancient Iran before the arrival of the Islamic conquests. These ancient Iranian peoples contributed to the development of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Iranian religion that played a crucial role in shaping early Iranian civilization.
Throughout their history, the ancient Iranian peoples had interactions and conflicts with neighboring civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Central Asian nomads. Nevertheless, these ancient Iranian peoples left a lasting impact on the region, with their rich cultural heritage, linguistic contributions, and historical achievements continuing to influence modern Iran and its surrounding areas.
