Medes

The Medes were an Iranian people of Indo-Iranian origin who lived in the western and north-western portion of present-day Iran. By the 6th century BC (prior to the Persian invasion) the Medes were able to establish an empire that stretched from Aran (the modern-day Republic of Azerbaijan) to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Today's population of the western part of the Iranian Plateau (including many Persian-speakers, Kurds and Azeris) consider themselves to be descended from the ancient Medes.

Related Topics:
Iranian - Indo-Iranian - Iran - 6th century BC - Persian - Aran - Republic of Azerbaijan - Central Asia - Afghanistan - Iranian Plateau - Kurds

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Apart from a few personal names, the language of the Medes is almost entirely unknown, but was undoubtedly quite similar to the Avestan and Scythian languages. (see Mede language, below)

Related Topics:
Avestan - Scythian - Mede language

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