Pronunciation: [manˈi͡ənz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "mannaeans" can be tricky to decipher. The first syllable, "man," is pronounced /mæn/, like the word "man." The second part, "nae," is pronounced /neɪ/, like the word "nay." The final syllable, "ans," is pronounced /ænz/, like the word "hands." When put together, the word is pronounced /ˈmæn.neɪ.ænz/ and refers to the ancient kingdom of Mannae, which existed in what is now modern-day Iran.
The Mannaeans were an ancient people who lived in the territory corresponding to present-day northwestern Iran and eastern Kurdistan. Their civilization flourished between the 9th and 7th centuries BCE, with their capital being the city of Izirtu. This region is believed to have been situated along the southeastern shore of Lake Urmia, bordered by the present-day provinces of West Azerbaijan and Kurdistan.
The Mannaeans were primarily known for their highly developed and richly adorned bronze artifacts, which depicted scenes from religious rituals and mythical creatures. They were also renowned for their skilled horsemanship and cavalry, often engaging in warfare with their neighbors, such as the Assyrians and the Medes.
Despite their advanced culture, the Mannaeans have left limited written records. The majority of the available information about them comes from Assyrian and Babylonian sources, particularly royal inscriptions and annals. These accounts frequently mention military conflicts and diplomatic relationships between the two civilizations.
The downfall of the Mannaeans is generally attributed to the expansion of the Medes and the subsequent formation of the Median Empire. It is believed that the Mannaeans gradually assimilated into the broader Median culture and lost their distinct identity over time. Despite their eventual disappearance as a distinct people, the influence of the Mannaeans on the art and culture of the region remained significant.
The word "Mannaeans" refers to an ancient people who inhabited the region of western Iran and southeastern Turkey from the 9th to the 7th century BCE. The etymology of the term "Mannaeans" is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from their native language.One theory suggests that the name could be related to the root "man" or "mana", which has been found in various ancient languages from the region. In these languages, "man" generally denotes a concept of measurement or counting, suggesting that the name may have originally meant "people of the measure" or "people of the count".Another possibility is that the name "Mannaeans" comes from the native term "manna", which is attested in Assyrian inscriptions. In this context, "manna" is thought to refer to the region where the Mannaeans lived rather than to the people themselves.
