The text of this column is especially interesting due to the somewhat odd nature of the description of the final Elamite revolt (in regard to its religious aspects), as well as the final campaign against the Saka Tigraxauda, the Pointy-capped Scythians. This column will be compared to the daiva text of Xerxes in regard to its religious content as well as the implications regarding the religion of the Elamites. There are certain claims made by Darius I that may not correspond to reality here. We will also discuss the incredible Persepolis Fortification text corpus (which is mostly in Elamite) and compare it to Darius’ claims. We will also take a quick look at the only Old Persian text written on a clay tablet, which again comes from the Persepolis tablet collection.
Script - The spelling conventions regarding the vowels a and ā will be discussed. Final consonants will also be discussed and compared to Proto-Indo-European. The declensions of Ahura Mazda’s name will also be covered.
Grammar - The genitive-dative will be discussed in more depth. The middle voice will also be covered. The nature and various uses of the term mathishta will be discussed.
Reading - Skjaervo, Chapter 5
Vocabulary
|
adakaiy |
Then, at that time |
|
afuvā- |
fear |
|
aiva- |
one |
|
anuv |
According to (+ gen.-dat.) |
|
ardastāna- |
Window sill (masc.) |
|
ạrtācā |
According to the (cosmic) Order |
|
ạrtāvan |
Acting according to the (cosmic) Order |
|
bava- |
To become |
|
Brazman- |
height |
|
dadā- |
To give |
|
framātar- |
commander |
|
fraša- |
Excellent, wonderful |
|
gạrbāya- |
To grab, seize |
|
hakaram |
once |
|
hama- |
One and the same |
|
hankạrta- |
achievement |
|
haruva- |
Entire, whole |