The Role of Beverages in the Wage Payment System of Achaemenid Iran

Abstract

Intoxicating drinks were common in Ancient Persia. Achaemenid fortification tablets, median rhyton, Nyssa Parthian epigraphy, Sassanid dishes demonstrate evidences of such beverages’ application. These products were also used for cheering, refreshment as well as curing in addition to their nutritional values; thus, they were largely popular in most ancient civilizations. Wine and beer had different functions in ancient Iran including their use in religious ceremonies, royal celebrations, medical treatment as well as being offered as gifts. Studying Achaemenid tablets also reveals the other special uses of wine and beer in Achaemenid Iran for providing some portions of taxes, wages and food ration. The purpose of this research is to study the role of beverages in the wage payment system of Iran at the Achaemenid age; thus, it descriptively analyzes various sources. The results show that some rations paid in the Achaemenid age included beer and wine. These rations were assigned to high-ranking officials, worker supervisor, referees and accountants, Pars laborers, court women, bridesmaids, postpartum women, couriers with administrative mission, and even some animals. Thus, research results show that beverages were used for more than just religious and royal celebrations; it seems in order to know more about Iran's ancient culture and civilization, the role of these beverages should be studied beyond the areas studied in this paper.