Historical Sciences Studies

Abstract The Sasanian era marks a period of significant transformation in administrative, cultural, and religious frameworks. The interpretation of concepts such as sin, justice, and punishment was particularly crucial within the framework of religious and customary laws. An in-depth analysis of the sins and punishments of women offers a realistic view of the social and legal attitudes of the time. This study seeks to examine, analyze, and explain the most important sins of women and their punishments in Sasanian Iran, using historical and legal sources. The primary goal is to clarify what behaviors were considered female ‘sins’ in the Sasanian legal, religious, and historical texts, what factors determined the punishments, and what the social and legal consequences of these regulations were for women in the Sasanian social structure. The research method combines textual and historical analysis. The results show that in Sasanian society, the system of sin and punishment for women extended beyond religion and morality and was deeply influenced by social attitudes. This system served as a symbolic tool to maintain order and strengthen the structure of family and religion. Women’s sins ranged from minor disobedience, such as not observing the dāshtanistān ritual, to major crimes such as abortion, prostitution, and witchcraft. Punishments varied according to the severity of the sin, from flogging and fines to death or eternal torment. Ultimately, this system was more about gender control, the reproduction of social hierarchies, and the preservation of a ‘sacred order’ than legal rights.

Abstract divine test refers to a kind of ritual verification was used in ancient civilizations like Iran, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Cاina. before Aryans arrival this ceremony was prevalent in ancient Elam under the influence of Mesopotamian courts. the oldest signs of the ceremony has been shown in Avestan texts. using library tools and historical analysis methods through a functionalist approach the author's goal is to conduct an analytical study of the role of divine test ceremony in proving claims against women in Sasanian judicial procedure. the main question is what divine tests were available in Sassanian jurisprudential texts for the evidence of a crime and what function did they have in Sassanian society? the functional study of legal jurisprudential texts showed that criminal offenses in the Sassanid era were divided into three general categories: crrimes against God, the King and others. women legal status had been improved. enjoying property and social rights women had the right to sue and testify in courts alone and own their own dowry. if a woman was accused of adultery and disobedience by her husband and she did not confess, the Judge would rule that woman was innocent. and also in this era women were exempt from divine verification ceremony.

Abstract The historical sources rarely mention music and instruments during the Parthian period. Archaeological evidence reveals the existence of several musical instruments in the Parthian period. The influence of Achaemenian and Greek art and culture can be seen in the music of the Parthian period. yet, there is no precise information about female musicians and their position. But, archaeological evidence shows women as musical instrument players. Depictions of female musicians in archaeological evidence are sources for studying the position of women in music. The purpose of this research is to understand the position of women in the music and society of the Parthian period and their instruments. Another goal of this research is to identify the instruments used by women during this period. The most important questions of this research are: What musical instruments did women use during the Parthian period? What was their status and role in Parthian society? This research has a descriptive-analytical approach. its data gathered from various library resources. The results of this research say that women played an active role in musical activities. According to terracotta, wall paintings, Nisa rhytons and reliefs, women played music alone or with men. Women were more active during the Parthian period than in previous periods (Elamite, Achaemenid and Seleucid period). Archaeological evidences have been discovered from of Susa, Bard e Neshāndeh, Nisa, Dalverzin Tepe, Airtam, Nippur, Babylon, Uruk, Hatra, Dura-Europos, Seleucia, and Olbia. They in playing stringed instruments (harp, string, and lute), percussion instruments (tambourine, cymbal and castant), and wind instruments (flute, reed and double reeds). It also seems that female musicians are only shown playing certain instruments, which could indicate that women are more skilled in those instruments than male. According to available sources, women played instruments as musician, singer, and dancer in religious ceremonies, feasts, and celebrations after victories

Abstract Marriage and family formation held paramount importance in Zoroastrianism, providing a framework wherein each family member could benefit from social rights and advantages. Women, as fundamental members of the family, could also avail themselves of these benefits. However, not all women could equally enjoy these advantages, as certain conditions within Zoroastrianism could influence a woman’s financial status. This descriptive-analytical research aims to examine the status of women’s ownership by conducting a case study of two documents, 22 and 22bis, from Tabarestān. These two documents concern a complaint regarding properties held by a pādixšāy-zan and the judicial process of their investigation is meticulously explored. The investigations indicate that by studying these two documents and other legal texts, such as the Mādiyān ī Hazār Dādestān, it can be concluded that a woman’s ownership of these assets was not absolute but rather conditional upon her position and obligations within the family institution