After deep contemplation of the wise words of Mithradates the shepherd, and recalling the enlightening explanations of Dr. Mehrdad Malekzadeh in his university debate, little Kourosh's mind flew towards completing the complex puzzle of "environmental pull" and its vital role in the tumultuous history of Iran. On that same pleasant morning in Behistun, beside Mithradates who was calmly leading the flock to pasture, he now remembered the words of Dr. Hamed Vahdati Nasab, the other distinguished archaeologist from his debate; the one who had confirmed Dr. Malekzadeh's words with historical and archaeological evidence. This harmony between modern scientific views and ancient wisdom was, for Kourosh, like a light that illuminated the dark depths of the past and paved the way for building a stable future.
In the solitude of his mind, Kourosh clearly heard the firm and well-reasoned voice of Dr. Vahdati Nasab, who, relying on scientific findings, had said: "Yes, the results of historical and archaeological studies clearly show that during the period of the great Aryan migration to the Iranian plateau, we witnessed a significant ice age and widespread climate changes." He had continued: "These climate changes directly and ruthlessly affected their food resources and living conditions in their primary homelands, forcing them to find new and more fertile lands." This scientific confirmation made Mithradates's wisdom about his ancestors' migration even more tangible for Kourosh. This environmental pressure was not a random event, but a powerful and natural force that shaped the course of history and determined the fate of peoples.
To prove this important point, Dr. Vahdati Nasab had referred to the sacred and ancient text of the "Vendidad," a text with deep roots in the beliefs of the Iranians. He had said: "Even in the Vendidad, in the 'Second Fargard' section, we see direct references to this difficult period and migration. Jamshid (Yima), the mythical and wise king, is commanded by the will of Ahura Mazda to 'expand the Aryan lands and settle the people there' to protect them from the ravages of famine and cold." Dr. Vahdati Nasab, emphasizing the words, had continued: "And immediately after that, the Vendidad proceeds to describe a 'harsh and deadly winter'; a winter that destroys animals and plants and forces the people to take refuge in the 'Vara of Jamshid,' an underground city and a safe haven." This connection between the ancient religious text and the climatic and archaeological evidence was clear proof for Kourosh of the reality of this environmental pressure and its impact on the lives of his ancestors.
At that moment in the debate, Dr. Mehrdad Malekzadeh had also confirmed Dr. Vahdati Nasab's words, adding: "Exactly! Throughout history, we constantly witness the complex fusion and coexistence of 'historical sociological drivers' and 'biological drivers'." He had said with an emphatic and passionate tone: "The behavior of humans and the decisions of governments in history have never been without reason. Specific environmental conditions, scarcity of resources, and population pressures can all have a direct impact on these behaviors and can even trigger the greatest transformations, migrations, and wars." These words were key for Kourosh to gain a deeper understanding of how civilizations are formed and how they fall.
Dr. Malekzadeh had continued: "Environmental pressures, such as prolonged droughts, sudden climate changes, or unchecked population growth, can lead to a chain of reactions in society. These reactions may manifest as mass and forced migrations, wars over limited resources, or even the emergence of leaders with new ideas to overcome these challenges." He had emphasized that these factors often operate behind the scenes of historical events and receive less attention, but their role in shaping the fate of civilizations is undeniable and vital. This understanding gave Kourosh a deep insight for future planning.
Kourosh, in the silence of the Behistun foothills, thought about the words of these two scholars. He understood that on the Iranian plateau, unlike many other parts of the world that enjoyed abundant water resources, the problem of water scarcity had always been a fundamental and constant challenge. This constant pressure on resources, especially water and arable land, had had a profound impact on the mentality of the people of this land, pushing them towards conservation and adaptation. This reality had shaped the cultural and social roots of the Iranians and determined their expectations of governance.
He remembered how the Iranians, unlike the Greeks whose main concerns were individual freedoms, democracy, and abstract philosophy, had always awaited the emergence of a just and righteous king. This expectation was not only rooted in the religious beliefs of Zoroastrianism but was also a direct response to the problems of livelihood and resource scarcity. The people of Iran, throughout history, expected their king and governmental system to distribute the little available food and wealth among them based on justice and fairness, so that no one would suffer from hunger and thirst. This perspective was the most fundamental demand of the people from their rulers and had deep roots in the climatic adversities of the Iranian plateau. This deep understanding guided Kourosh's mind towards his great goal: to build an empire based not only on military power and conquests but also on environmental sustainability, food security, and justice in the distribution of resources.