The name of Iran comes from an ancient term "a-eer-ya-nem va-ee-jo" in Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrianism, meaning the land of the Aeers'. This term refers to a certain plateau which the Indo-Iranians, a branch of Aryans selected for their settlement. By passage of time, the term "Aeer" changed to "Er" and later to "Ir". "Er" or "Ir", in the ancient languages of the time, meant NOBLE. The official name of our country in the Sassanid period (400-600 A.D.) was Iranshatr or Iranshahr. "Shatr" or "Shahr" means country. Thus Iranshahr means The Country of The Nobles.
Map av Iran in Midle East
The tomb of Cyrus the Great ( 580-529 BC) at Pasargade the first capital city of Persia. Cyrus was the first Achaemenian King of Persia, who issued the Cylinder of Human Rights in Babylon, in the year 538 BC.
Persepolis
Steps leading to the eastern portico of the
Apadana of Perseplois
Detail showing the head of a Persian soldier
Lydian bringing gold armlets to present to
the king. Apadana Audience Hall.
An Armenian carrying an amphora,
these were used for wine at banquets. Rearing lions make the handles one of which is
also the spout.
Parthian fashion of 2nd century AD,
wearing a flowing gown, headress, and jewels.