Ancient Iran and Afghanistan Before 1000 BCE

Long before the rise of the Persian Empire, the lands of Iran and Afghanistan were home to lost civilizations, wealthy trade networks, and the legendary migration of the Indo-Iranians. This video explores the deep history of the Iranian Plateau and Central Asia, stretching from the Paleolithic hunter-gatherers of the Zagros Mountains to the dawn of the Iron Age. We uncover the archaeological secrets of the Neolithic revolution, the rise of the Elamites, and the mysterious "Burnt City" of Shahr-i Sokhta. We also dive into the Bronze Age flourishing of the Oxus Civilization (BMAC) in Bactria and Margiana, a sophisticated culture that rivaled Mesopotamia but was lost to history for thousands of years. Finally, we trace the migration of the Indo-Iranian peoples, the origins of Zoroastrianism, and the transition into the Iron Age that set the stage for the great empires to come. If you enjoyed this, consider subscribing for the next episode (Medes, Persians, and the rise of empire). #AncientIran #AfghanistanHistory #BronzeAge #Archaeology #Zoroastrianism #Documentary Become a member to help out the channel and keep the project alive (not to mention early access)! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFn4wt14ytUbngBJp8SsWKQ/join All images used with CC license.