Farsakh

/fɑɹˈsɑːx/ noun

Definition

An ancient unit of distance measurement used in Persia and the Middle East, roughly equivalent to 4-5 kilometers or 2.5-3 miles.

Etymology

From Persian 'farsakh,' possibly derived from Pahlavi language roots. The term was standardized across the Persian Empire for measuring land distances and establishing trade routes.

Kelly Says

Before GPS, empires needed standardized distance measurements—a farsakh was so consistent across Persian territories that merchants could plan journeys with surprising accuracy thousands of years before the metric system.

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