Ancient Iran: Why Men, Not Women, Wore Earrings in the Achaemenid Era

According to Saed News Society Service, the history of earrings shows that in ancient times, earrings were actually ornamental items for men. Egyptian and Assyrian men wore earrings to indicate their higher social status. However, in Ancient Rome, earrings were worn exclusively by slaves. Wealthy Greek and Roman women used pearl earrings to display their social rank.

The history of earrings in Iran can be traced back to the Elamite civilization. Later, earrings appear in the reliefs of Persepolis, worn by Achaemenid soldiers. Gold earrings were also found on the left ear of the “Salt Man,” who lived during the Sassanian era.

Earring use was very common during the Achaemenid period. Some were made of gold and intricately inlaid with turquoise, red agate, and lapis lazuli. Archaeologists estimate their age to be between 525–330 BCE. Crafting such exquisite earrings in a time when only basic tools were available reflects a world of skill and mystery. One such earring, with a diameter of 1.5 cm (pictured below), is now housed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

It is worth noting that earrings were initially worn by men and later gradually adopted by women. Before becoming a female accessory, earrings were a symbol of male power, social position, and wealth. Carved images on the walls of Persepolis clearly show male soldiers wearing earrings.

Interesting Historical Facts About Earrings

In the past, boys whose mothers were widows wore earrings on their left ear, while the only sons of families wore them on the right. A man wearing earrings in both ears indicated that he was the last male in his family. Such men were protected by neighbors and were not allowed to participate in battles, as the family lineage would otherwise end.

In Islam, men may wear earrings only if they are not considered a female accessory in their region and are not made of gold. Otherwise, piercing the ear and wearing earrings is generally not permitted.

Shia and Sunni scholars also advise that men avoid earrings made from materials other than gold, as earrings are socially considered feminine adornments. Regarding young boys, Sunni scholars recommend that their ears not be pierced and that they not wear earrings, to prevent pain and discomfort. This restriction does not exist in Shia practice.