Old Persian Units of Length Converter

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Mansion Schoeme Parasang Mille Ghalva Chebel Qasab Pace Cubit Zereth Palm Finger	Mansion Schoeme Parasang Mille Ghalva Chebel Qasab Pace Cubit Zereth Palm Finger
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Ancient Persian units of length were part of a sophisticated system used for construction, trade, and daily life in the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE) and later periods. These units, like many other ancient systems of measurement, were often based on human body parts or familiar objects. Here are some key units of length used in ancient Persia:

1. Parasang - The parasang is a large unit of distance commonly used in ancient Persia, often equated to approximately 3.5 to 4.5 modern miles (5.6 to 7.2 kilometers). It was primarily used for measuring long distances, particularly in travel and military contexts.
2. Cubit (or Arash, Zarat) - The cubit is a unit based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The Persian cubit (Arash) was similar to other ancient cubits and is estimated to be around 18 inches (45 centimeters). It was used in construction, land measurement, and various other daily applications.
3. Fathom - A fathom in ancient Persia, like in many cultures, was based on the span of a man's outstretched arms, typically about 6 feet (1.8 meters). Used mainly for measuring depth or horizontal distance, particularly in contexts like fishing or measuring land.
4. Pace - The pace, as a unit of length, refers to the distance covered by a single step, which in ancient Persian terms could be around 2.5 feet (0.76 meters). It was used for casual measurements and possibly in military contexts for marching distances.
5. Finger (or Digit) - The finger, or digit, was a small unit of length based on the width of a finger, approximately 0.75 inches (1.9 centimeters). Used for more precise measurements, such as in tailoring or detailed work in construction.
6. Span - The span was the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, around 9 inches (23 centimeters). It was used for measuring short distances or objects.

Historical Context and Sources

Herodotus and Xenophon: Ancient Greek historians who wrote about Persian measurements, often relating them to Greek units for comparative purposes. Royal Inscriptions: Various Achaemenid inscriptions provide insights into the measurements used, especially in monumental construction and administrative records. Influences and Legacy The Persian system of measurements influenced and was influenced by neighboring civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Greeks, and later Islamic scholars. The standardized units helped in the administration of the vast Achaemenid Empire, particularly in the construction of infrastructure like the Royal Road, which spanned approximately 1,677 miles (2,699 kilometers). Conclusion