ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Haft keshvar

Haft keshvar literally means "seven countries" in Persian. It refers to a geographical region in ancient times that was bounded by the Caspian Sea to the north, the Hindu Kush mountains to the east, the Arabian desert to the south, and the Eastern Mediterranean to the west.

The seven countries included in this region were Persia (modern-day Iran), Media (modern-day central Iran), Babylon (modern-day Iraq), Assyria (modern-day northern Iraq), Elam (modern-day southwestern Iran), Sogdiana (modern-day Uzbekistan and Tajikistan), and Gandhara (modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan).

These countries were important because they were located at the crossroads of major trade routes between Asia and Europe, and also because they were the birthplace of many ancient civilizations such as the Persian Empire, Babylonian Empire, and Assyrian Empire.

In summary, haft keshvar refers to a region that includes seven important countries in ancient times that played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the world.
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