[Andrew]

Originally Posted by ShayanMirza

The way I've always heard it, including from respectable Persian historians (and I'm Persian myself) is that it was most likely developed first in India, then soon spread north to the Iranian plateau, and then spread to the rest of the Middle East from there.

As an aside, how is Mr. Kirpichev spouting "nationalist BS?" He's Russian, not Persian. Though I do agree, as a budding historian (still in college ) I do hate it when history is hijacked for nationalism. Einstein said "Nationalism is the greatest disease of our age." I couldn't agree more. Pride in one's country and heritage should not (and does not) necessitate xenophobia and jingoism.

Welcome to the forum, Shayan. Excellent post.

Do you read Farsi?