The term PERSIAN Ancient is composed of two words, MEDE and PERSIAN. MEDE is a four-letter word which refers to an ancient Iranian people who lived in the region of Media, located in what is now northwestern Iran. They were a major political power in the Middle East from the 6th century BC until their conquest by the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BC. PERSIAN is an adjective that refers to the culture, language, and people of Iran, historically known as Persia. The term PERSIAN Ancient therefore refers to the ancient culture, language, and people of Iran.