Behistun meaning

The Behistun inscription is a multi-lingual text carved into a cliff in Iran, providing valuable historical and linguistic information about the ancient Persian Empire.


Behistun definitions

Word backwards nutsiheB
Part of speech Behistun is a proper noun.
Syllabic division Be-his-tun
Plural The plural form of the word "Behistun" is Behistuns.
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) e,i,u
Consonants (5) b,h,s,t,n

Behistun is a significant archaeological site located in Iran, near the town of Behistun in the Kermanshah Province. This site is famous for the Behistun Inscription, a large rock relief and inscription that dates back to the reign of Persian king Darius the Great in the 6th century BC.

The Behistun Inscription is written in three different languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian, making it a valuable key to deciphering ancient cuneiform scripts. This trilingual inscription played a crucial role in the understanding of cuneiform writing and the ancient Persian Empire.

Historical Significance

The Behistun Inscription narrates the victories of Darius the Great in establishing his rule over the Persian Empire. It also provides insights into the genealogy and royal succession of the Achaemenid kings. The inscription is carved on a steep limestone cliff, making it a challenging but rewarding site for researchers and historians.

Deciphering Cuneiform

Thanks to the trilingual nature of the Behistun Inscription, scholars were able to decode Old Persian cuneiform, a script that was previously unintelligible. This breakthrough opened up new avenues of understanding ancient Persian culture, history, and language.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In recognition of its historical significance, the Behistun site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. This designation ensures the protection and preservation of the inscription for future generations to study and appreciate.

Visitors to Behistun can witness this ancient marvel up close and marvel at the complex inscriptions and detailed reliefs that adorn the cliff face. The site stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of ancient Persia, inviting visitors to delve into the mysteries of the past.


Behistun Examples

  1. The Behistun Inscription is a multilingual inscription carved into a cliffside in Iran.
  2. The Behistun Rock is located in the Kermanshah Province of Iran.
  3. Scholars study the Behistun Inscription to understand ancient languages.
  4. The Behistun Inscription was created by Darius the Great of Persia.
  5. Behistun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  6. Travelers can visit the Behistun Inscription to learn about ancient history.
  7. The Behistun Inscription features cuneiform writing.
  8. Researchers use the Behistun Inscription to decipher ancient languages.
  9. The Behistun Inscription is considered a significant archaeological find.
  10. The Behistun Inscription provides insights into the history of the Persian Empire.


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  • Updated 22/04/2024 - 22:57:07