Unveiling Iran's Ancient Names: What Was It Called Before?

Shany Raynor 18 Jun 2025

The name "Iran" evokes images of ancient empires, rich cultural heritage, and a history stretching back millennia. But for many, a persistent question remains: what was Iran called before? This seemingly simple query unravels a fascinating tapestry of etymology, political shifts, and deep-rooted cultural identity. The story of Iran is not merely the chronicle of a modern nation-state but also, in a broader sense, the history of what is known as Greater Iran – a vast cultural expanse that historically stretched from the Euphrates in the west.

This extensive territory, often referred to as the Iranian cultural continent in the Encyclopædia Iranica, encompasses a heritage that has profoundly shaped human civilization. From the towering figures of Cyrus the Great and Darius to the intricate advancements of Islamic science and art, Iran’s narrative is one of the most protracted and prolific in the world. It is a chronicle of powerful civilizations, the complex evolution of Islam, and some of the most heroic names in universal history. Understanding its historical nomenclature is key to appreciating its enduring legacy.

Table of Contents

The Enduring Legacy of a Name
From Persia to Iran: A Formal Transition
- The Etymology of "Persia"
- Reza Shah Pahlavi's Pivotal Decision
The Ancient Roots: "Aryanam" and "Eranshahr"
- The Land of the Aryans
- The Sasanian Era and "Eranshahr"
Greater Iran: A Cultural Continuum
Iran in Biblical Context: Echoes of Persia
Beyond Names: A Cradle of Civilization
The Islamic Era: Preserving Identity
Modern Iran: A Nation Forged by History

The Enduring Legacy of a Name

Iran boasts one of the richest historical lineages of any modern state, stretching back several millennia. This profound history can be broadly divided into three major epochs: the ancient pre-Islamic period (roughly from 559 BCE), the Islamic era (from 651 CE), and the modern era, defined by its encounter with Western modernity from around 1800 onwards. Each period contributed to the evolution of its identity and how it was perceived by both its inhabitants and the outside world. To truly grasp what Iran was called before, we must delve into these distinct historical layers, understanding that the names were not merely labels but reflections of political power, cultural identity, and geographical understanding.

The question of "what Iran was called before" isn't just about a name change on a map; it's about tracing the continuous thread of a civilization that has weathered countless invasions, cultural shifts, and political transformations, yet consistently maintained a unique identity. This identity is deeply intertwined with its various names, each carrying a specific historical weight and cultural resonance.

From Persia to Iran: A Formal Transition

Perhaps the most widely recognized answer to "what Iran was called before" is "Persia." Indeed, until 1935, Iran was predominantly known in the Western world as Persia. This name, derived from the Greek word "Persis," was historically used to refer to the Iranian nation, its people, and its ancient empires. For centuries, Western maps, diplomatic correspondence, and scholarly works consistently referred to the country by this appellation. It was a name synonymous with grandeur, vast empires, and a distinct cultural heritage that captivated the imagination of Europeans.

The official shift from "Persia" to "Iran" in international correspondence occurred in 1935. This pivotal decision was made by Reza Pahlavi, the unique monarch who held the titles of both Shah of Persia and Shah of Iran simultaneously. On Nowruz (the Persian New Year) in 1935, Reza Shah formally requested foreign delegates to use the term "Iran" (meaning "Land of the Aryans" in Persian), which was the country's endonym (the name used by its own people), in all formal correspondence. While the country officially adopted the name "Iran" in 1935, the history of this territory stretches back thousands of years before the common era, and it was known as Persia for much of that time.

The Etymology of "Persia"

The name "Persia" itself has ancient roots. It originates from "Parsua," which was the name the Assyrians used in the 9th century BCE to refer to the people of "Pars" (a border region) from whom they received tribute. This region, Fars in modern Iran, was the heartland of the Achaemenid Empire, the first great Persian Empire founded by Cyrus the Great. The Greeks, encountering this powerful empire, adopted the name "Persis" from the region, and it subsequently became the common name for the entire empire and later, the country, in the Western world. So, when people ask what Iran was called before, "Persia" is the most direct and historically pervasive answer from a Western perspective.

Reza Shah Pahlavi's Pivotal Decision

Reza Shah's decision to insist on "Iran" was not arbitrary. It was a deliberate act of national identity assertion, aimed at promoting the indigenous name of the country and emphasizing its ancient, Aryan roots. The term "Iran" itself, as we will explore, has a much deeper historical resonance for the people of the land. By officially changing the name, Reza Shah sought to unify the nation under its true historical identity and move away from a name primarily imposed by external perceptions. It was a move that resonated with a burgeoning sense of nationalism and a desire to present a unified, self-determined image on the global stage. This change, while significant, did not erase the historical memory of Persia; rather, it added another layer to the complex identity of the nation.

The Ancient Roots: "Aryanam" and "Eranshahr"

While "Persia" is the familiar answer to what Iran was called before in the Western context, the indigenous names used by the inhabitants themselves tell an even older story. The earliest known name for Iran, or rather the proper name given by the local residents, was written as "Aryānām." This ancient term translates to "Land of the Aryans," reflecting the ethnolinguistic origins of the people who settled the Iranian plateau. This name predates the Achaemenid Empire and speaks to a shared identity among various Indo-Iranian tribes.

Over time, as dialects evolved and empires rose and fell, the name transformed. Later, local inhabitants referred to their land as "Erānšahr." This transition occurred around the 3rd century CE, particularly during the Sasanian period. The Sasanians, who ruled from 224 CE to 651 CE, were a powerful Iranian empire that saw themselves as the inheritors of the Achaemenid legacy. They solidified the concept of "Erānšahr" as the political and cultural entity of the Iranian realm.

The Land of the Aryans

The term "Aryan" in this context refers to a historical group of Indo-Iranian peoples who migrated into the Iranian plateau and parts of the Indian subcontinent thousands of years ago. It signifies a shared linguistic and cultural heritage, not a racial concept as it was later misused. The name "Aryānām" thus points to the very foundational identity of the Iranian peoples, highlighting their self-perception as a distinct group with a common origin. This ancient self-designation is crucial for understanding the deep historical roots of the name "Iran" itself, as "Iran" is a direct descendant of "Aryānām." This answers the question of what Iran was called before even the term "Persia" became widespread.

The Sasanian Era and "Eranshahr"

During the Sasanian period, the Iranians formally identified their country with the name "Ērān" (meaning "of the Iranians") or "Ērānšahr" (meaning "Iranian Empire" or "Kingdom of the Aryans"). This name was not just a geographical designation but a powerful political and cultural concept. "Erānšahr" represented the highest state of Iran, a unified realm under Sasanian rule. It symbolized a continuity of Iranian identity and sovereignty, even as the empire engaged in prolonged conflicts with the Roman and later Byzantine empires. The Sasanian use of "Ērānšahr" demonstrates that the indigenous name for the country, or a very close cognate, was firmly established long before the 1935 official name change in the West. This historical continuity underscores that "Iran" was not a new invention but a revival of a deeply ingrained self-identification.

Greater Iran: A Cultural Continuum

Beyond the specific names for the political entity, it's vital to understand the concept of "Greater Iran." This term refers to a vast cultural territory that extends far beyond the borders of modern-day Iran, encompassing regions from the Euphrates in the west to parts of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This expansive area shares a common cultural heritage, language influences (Persian), traditions, and historical narratives, even if it was never united under a single political entity for prolonged periods.

When discussing what Iran was called before, this broader cultural context is essential. Many ancient empires that arose from this region, such as the Achaemenids, Parthians, and Sasanians, exercised influence over vast swaths of Greater Iran. Their cultural and linguistic impact persisted long after their political dominance waned. The history of Greater Iran is a testament to the enduring power of shared identity and cultural exchange, where Persian language, literature, art, and philosophy flourished across diverse lands. This concept helps to contextualize why various historical names, including "Persia" and "Iran," resonate across such a wide geographical and cultural spectrum.

Iran in Biblical Context: Echoes of Persia

For those exploring the historical mentions of this ancient land, particularly in religious texts, the question often arises: what was Iran called before in the Bible? The answer is unequivocally "Persia." This name was consistently used to refer to the region we now know as Iran throughout much of biblical history. The Old Testament, in particular, contains numerous references to the Persian Empire, especially during the period of the Babylonian captivity and the subsequent return of the Jews to Jerusalem.

The biblical narratives prominently feature figures like Cyrus II, commonly identified as Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, who reigned from 559 to 530 BCE. Cyrus is celebrated in the Bible for his decree allowing the exiled Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Later, King Darius, another significant Persian monarch, is depicted as restoring order to a chaotic empire, inventing the Old Persian cuneiform script, minting Persian coinage, and expanding the Achaemenid Empire from India to the Danube, and from the Jaxartes River to Libya. These biblical accounts underscore the profound historical impact of Persia and solidify its identity as the land we now call Iran. The continuity of this name in religious texts highlights its pervasive influence across ancient civilizations.

Beyond Names: A Cradle of Civilization

Regardless of what Iran was called before, the territory itself has been a cradle of some of the most ancient peoples and empires in human history. Archaeological sites across the country provide compelling evidence that human habitation dates back an astonishing 100,000 years to the Paleolithic era, with semi-permanent settlements (likely hunting groups) established before 10,000 BCE. Some archaeological remains found even date back nearly 1 million years, underscoring the extraordinary depth of human presence in this region.

Everyone associates Iran with the powerful and feared Persian Empire, which occupied an immense territory that included vast regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. This empire, under its various names, was not just a political force but a melting pot of cultures, technologies, and ideas. It fostered advancements in administration, infrastructure (like the Royal Road), and art. The historical significance of this land transcends its nomenclature, marking it as a foundational site for human civilization. The rich archaeological record continually reveals new insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and innovations of the peoples who inhabited this land long before it was formally known as Iran or even Persia.

The Islamic Era: Preserving Identity

Following the Arab conquests in the 7th century CE, which led to the Islamization of the region, one might expect a complete overhaul of the country's identity and name. However, Iran uniquely retained its name, language, and culture. While Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), for instance, became a geographical center of a vast Arab empire and largely adopted Arabic as its primary language, Iran maintained its distinct Persian identity. This resilience is a testament to the deep-seated cultural and linguistic heritage of the Iranian people.

Even during periods of foreign rule, such as the Turkic Qajar dynasty, which governed the country from 1795 to 1925, the country was still officially called Iran. This continuity, despite significant political and religious shifts, demonstrates the enduring power of the indigenous name and the cultural self-identification that transcended dynastic changes. The question of what Iran was called before the Islamic era highlights a fascinating aspect of its history: its ability to absorb new influences while preserving its core identity, including its name.

Modern Iran: A Nation Forged by History

In the contemporary era, Iran has continued to evolve, navigating its complex historical legacy in a modern world. The name change in 1935 was a significant step in asserting its modern national identity, but the historical narrative continues to shape its present. The question of what Iran was called before 1979, for example, would still lead to "Iran," as the 1935 change had long been established. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 marked a new chapter in its political and social history, but the country's name remained "Iran," solidifying its indigenous identity on the global stage.

The journey from "Aryānām" to "Erānšahr," then to "Persia" in the Western imagination, and finally back to the official "Iran," is more than just a linguistic evolution. It is a narrative of a resilient civilization, deeply aware of its ancient roots and its place in global history. Each name reflects a different facet of its identity, from its ethnic origins to its imperial grandeur and its self-determined modern state. Understanding these names provides a richer appreciation for the profound depth and continuity of Iranian history.

Conclusion

The question of "what Iran was called before" reveals a rich and layered history. While "Persia" is the name most familiar to the Western world, used for centuries until the official change in 1935, the indigenous names like "Aryānām" and "Erānšahr" speak to an even more ancient self-identification rooted in the very origins of its people. From the "Land of the Aryans" to the powerful "Iranian Empire" of the Sasanians, the name "Iran" (or its direct cognates) has always been the self-chosen identifier for this remarkable civilization.

This journey through names underscores Iran's unique ability to maintain its cultural and linguistic identity despite millennia of change, conquest, and transformation. It is a land that has been a cradle of civilization, a beacon of ancient empires, and a continuous thread in the tapestry of human history. We hope this exploration has provided a deeper understanding of Iran's fascinating past and the significance behind its various names. What aspects of Iran's history intrigue you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on ancient civilizations and historical transformations!

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