A C H A E M E N I D E M P I R E
FULL TRANSLATION OF THE BEHISTUN INSCRIPTION
The following translation of the Behistun Inscription was made by L.W. King and R.C. Thompson
Where names are quoted in a Greekified or Biblical form, the Persian original sometimes follows in square brackets.
In original Persian words and names, "x" means the "kh" sound as German "ch" in "ach".
C O N T E N T S
Column one
1.1 Introduction: Darius's titles and the extent of his empire
1.2 Murder of Smerdis and coup of Gaumāta the Magian
1.3 Darius kills Gaumāta and restores the kingdom
1.4 Rebellions of Āina of Elam and Nidintu-Bźl of Babylon
Column two
2.1 Revolt of Martiya of Elam
2.2 Revolt of Phraortes of Media
2.3 Revolt of the Armenians
2.4 End of the revolt of the Medes
2.5 Revolt of the Parthians
Column three
3.1 Frāda Revolt of Frāda of Margiana
3.2 Revolt of Vahyazdāta of Persia
3.3 Arakha Second Babylonian revolt
Column four
4.1 Summary
4.2 Affirmation of the truth of the record
4.3 Affirmation that it is pious to make known the record
4.4 The importance of righteousness
4.5 Blessings and curses
Column five
5.1 A new rebellion on Elam (Autumn 521)
5.2 War against the Scythians (520/519)
