Paishiyauvada

Background

Paishiyauvada was a Persian city during the Achaemenid era. The name Paishiyauvada is from Old Persian paishiya- (writing) + -uvada (abode). Paishiyauvada was `Home of the Archives and Sacred Writings`, probably of Pasargadae. Gaumata the Magian pretended to be Smerdis and proclaimed himself king on the mountain Arakadrish near the town Paishiyauvada. This town was probably on the Zagros mountain range on the border of Persis and Elam.

Darius the Great at Behistun inscription says: "Darius the King says: Afterwards, there was one man, a Magian, named Gaumata; he rose up from Paishiyauvada. A mountain named Arakadri -- from there 14 days of the month Viyakhna were past when he rose up. He lied to the people thus: "I am Smerdis, the son of Cyrus, brother of Cambyses."

There is limited information available about Paishiyauvada specifically, but it was likely an administrative district or settlement within the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Paishiyauvada was situated within the territory of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which encompassed a vast area stretching from Anatolia to the borders of India. Paishiyauvada may have been located in the region of Media or in a neighboring area. Media was a historically significant region in ancient Persia, known for its strategic location and agricultural productivity.

Administrative Status:

Satrapy or Administrative District: Paishiyauvada was likely part of a satrapy (province) or a smaller administrative district within the Persian Empire. These administrative divisions were governed by appointed officials known as satraps.

Local Governance: Within Paishiyauvada, there would have been local administrators responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and implementing imperial policies on behalf of the Persian king.

Economic Activity:

Agriculture and Trade: Like other regions within the Persian Empire, Paishiyauvada would have been involved in agricultural production and trade. The fertile lands of the region supported cultivation of crops such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Commercial Centers: Paishiyauvada may have had marketplaces or commercial centers where goods were bought, sold, and exchanged. These economic activities contributed to the prosperity of the region and the empire as a whole.

Cultural and Social Life:

Ethnic Diversity: The population of Paishiyauvada would have been diverse, including Persians, Medes, and other ethnic groups. This diversity contributed to the cultural richness of the region and the empire.

Religious Centers: Paishiyauvada may have had temples, shrines, and religious sanctuaries dedicated to various deities worshipped by the local population. Religious practices and rituals were an integral part of daily life.

Legacy:

Historical Significance: While specific details about Paishiyauvada are limited, its existence as part of the Persian Empire underscores the empire's vast territorial extent and administrative complexity.

Archaeological Interest: Paishiyauvada and other ancient settlements within the Persian Empire continue to be of archaeological interest, with ongoing research providing insights into the history, culture, and society of the empire.

In summary, Paishiyauvada was likely an administrative district or settlement within the Achaemenid Persian Empire, located in a region such as Media. While specific information about Paishiyauvada is scarce, its historical context within the Persian Empire provides valuable insights into the administrative, economic, and cultural dynamics of the empire.

Sources

Kent, R.G., Old Persian: Grammar, texts, lexicon, 2nd edn, New Haven 1953. p. 194.