The term "Aryan" originally referred to a group of people who spoke Indo-European languages and lived in ancient regions of Iran and Northern India. In historical contexts, it is associated with the Indo-Iranian peoples and their cultures, which emerged around 1500 BCE. The word itself means "noble" in Sanskrit and was used to describe the social class of the time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, "Aryan" was misappropriated by various racial theories, particularly in Nazi Germany, to promote ideas of racial superiority. This misuse led to significant social and political consequences, including discrimination and violence against various groups. Today, the term is largely viewed with caution due to its historical implications.