Introduction

The ancient Persians, speaking Middle Persian and Parthian, had a unique way of referring to the Roman Empire and its people. While they had specific terms for their own empire and other empires, the Roman Empire was thoughtfully addressed with a term that evokes both familiarity and distinction.

The Persian Term for Rome

The ancient Persians referred to the Roman Empire as Hrōm. This term was used not only to denote the empire as a whole but also to refer to Romans in general. The Hrōm in Middle Persian is derived from the Greek name Rhomaioi.

Terminology for Romans

Not only did the Persians use Hrōm to refer to Rome, but they also had a specific term for Roman citizens: Hrōmigān. This term is a plural form derived from Hrōm, meaning 'of or belonging to Rome'.

Contextual Usage and Variations

The ancient Persians used a similar nomenclature for other empires as well. For instance, they referred to the Kushan empire as Kuanahr, which translates to 'empire of Kushan'. They also called their own empire ērānahr, meaning 'empire of Iranians'. Interestingly, this linguistic pattern might suggest a possibility that Hrōmigānahr could have been a common term for the 'Empire of Romans', indicating the extent of their influence and the depth of their cultural and political interactions.

Strategic Locations and Names

Even strategic locations within the Roman empire were given Persian names. One notable example is the major city of Constantinople, known to the Persians as taxt e hrōm, which translates to 'Throne of Rome'. This nomenclature underscores the importance of the city and its role as the capital of the Roman empire.

Interplay with Other Empires and Historical Context

The use of Hrōm as a term for both the Roman empire and Greek cultural elements, such as referring to Alexander as the 'Caesar of Rome' ('Aleksandar Kēsar az Hrōm'), demonstrates the complex and interwoven nature of ancient empires. This linguistic exchange signifies the broad cultural and political influence that the Roman empire had over the ancient world, stretching even to the regions dominated by the Persians.

Conclusion

The ancient Persians’ usage of Hrōm to refer to the Roman Empire highlights the richness and complexity of inter-empire relations during that period. By understanding these terms and their usage in historical context, we gain insight into the linguistic and cultural significance of empire in ancient times.