These texts definitely show how the accession of Darius I to the throne was definitely seen as a turning point in the history of the Persian Empire, despite all of Darius I’s efforts to connect himself to Cyrus the Great. The rhetoric will be compared to what we know about Cyrus the Great and his reign, ideology, and texts. Persepolis F is an interesting text that reveals Xerxes’ perspective on his accession to the throne as opposed to one of his brothers. Of course, everything was done according to the will of Ahura Mazda - the Wise Lord.
Script - The consonant phonemes will be discussed in more detail, including an explanation of the way the phonemes w and y are spelled in Old Persian. The unique and enigmatic Old Persian ç phoneme will also be discussed as well as phonetic developments in the Achaemenid period.
Grammar - The instrumental-ablative case, present stems, and the dual will be discussed in more detail. The enclitic pronouns and aorist will also be covered.
Reading - Skjaervo, Chapter 10
Vocabulary
|
aciy |
Until, as long as |
|
apataram |
Further away |
|
avašciy |
Just that |
|
avākaram |
Of such a sort |
|
ay-/i- |
To go |
|
ā-naya- |
To bring (people to) |
|
ā-xšnau- |
To hear |
|
basta- |
To bind |
|
bāji- |
Tribute, taxes |
|
būmi/ī- |
earth |
|
daraniya- |
gold |
|
dānā-/dān- |
To know (something) |
|
dāriya- |
To be held (passive) |
|
dīdiy |
To see, look at |
|
framānā- |
intelligence |
|
hạdugā- |
testimony |
|
maškā- |
Inflated hide (used for ferrying) |