Ancient Capitals of Iran
Iran has had numerous capitals throughout its eventful history, each with its unique charm. Some of these cities have remained capitals during different ruling periods, while others are only remnants of a specific dynasty. As we know, the capital of any country serves as the main political center of its government, usually concentrating the most cultural and welfare facilities and having a larger population compared to other cities. In this article by Eligasht, we will introduce some of the ancient capitals of Iran to become more familiar with the history of this country.
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Introduction
We all know that capitals are the main cities of a country or government. A capital is considered the central hub of the government, and consequently, other government centers are located in that city as well. These may include ministries, parliament, government organizations, and the court. That is why capitals are often more populous than other cities. Throughout history, many countries have changed their capitals for various political and geographical reasons.
If we delve a bit deeper, we discover that Iran is one of the countries that has undergone the most capital changes. This is because various local and temporary governments have ruled Iran and, for different reasons, relocated the capital to another city. In this article by Eligasht, we will explore the ancient capitals of Iran step by step and gradually move forward in history until we reach the present day.
Ancient Capitals of Iran before the Achaemenids
Before we directly delve into the ancient capitals of Iran, it is better to take a journey back in time. Let’s go back so far that we reach an important civilization that existed in Iran before the rule of the Aryan peoples, namely the powerful civilization of the Elamites. We will start by introducing their capital.
Susa
The Elamites were one of the most powerful and significant civilizations in terms of the growth of human civilization and culture. They resided in southwestern Iran before the Aryan peoples dominated Iran. It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom of Elam was established around 2700 BCE, and the city of Susa served as the capital and center of this important civilization for thousands of years.
During the Achaemenid period, Susa became one of the ancient capitals of Iran and a political center of this vast empire. Susa, at that time, became the crossroads of the eastern and western routes. Due to its geographical and political significance, many roads, especially the famous “Royal Road,” connected this city to various parts of the world. Although Susa gradually lost its importance after the conquest of Alexander. During the Sassanian era, this city, along with Shushtar and Jundi-Shapur, was considered a center of economic production and silk exports. In the 17th lunar year, Susa came under the control of Muslims.
Archaeological Discoveries
Excavations in Susa have unearthed numerous artifacts, including the famous Code of Hammurabi, which was discovered in the ruins of the city. These findings provide valuable insights into the legal and administrative systems of ancient Mesopotamia and Persia.
Hegmataneh – The First Aryan Capital
When exploring the ancient capitals of Iran after Susa, we must undoubtedly turn to the first Aryan capital, which is Hegmataneh, known as modern-day Hamadan. This city, also known as Ecbatana, was chosen as the capital and administrative center by the Medes, one of the Aryan peoples. Greek historians described Hegmataneh as a fortress-like city with seven concentric walls. It is said that the innermost fortress was reserved for the king. Hegmataneh is recognized as the first capital of Iranians.
Ecbatana, along with Athens in Greece Rome in Italy, and Susa in Khuzestan, is one of the few surviving ancient cities in the world. According to Herodotus, this city was built by King Deioces of Media and had seven walls, each painted in the color of a planet.
Historical Events
Ecbatana played a crucial role in various historical events, including the rise of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. The city also served as a summer residence for Persian kings and a key administrative center during the Achaemenid period.
Ancient Capitals of Iran after the Achaemenids
So far, we have discussed the cities that were capitals and centers of government before the Achaemenids in Iran. We mentioned cities like Susa and Hamadan (Hegmataneh) as the capitals of the Achaemenids. However, this magnificent dynasty had other capitals as well. Among the other capitals of the Achaemenids, we can mention Pasargadae and Babylon. But we all know that the name that shines the most among the Achaemenid capitals is Persepolis.
Persepolis
It would be impossible to talk about the ancient capitals of Iran without mentioning Persepolis. Although some historians and researchers have doubts about Persepolis being a capital and believe that this area was only used for ceremonial purposes by the Achaemenids, we still cannot come to a definite conclusion. Persepolis, also known as Parseh, Sadstoon, and Chehel Minar, is located near the Marvdasht plain, at the foothills of Rahmat Mountain, in the Fars province and the city of Shiraz.
Persepolis is a complex of several interconnected palaces built during the reigns of Darius the Great, Xerxes, and Ardeshir I. This palace complex had various functions, and there was a city around it. The city had three parts: the Terrace, the Royal Quarters, and the Outer Area. The administrative center of the city was the Terrace, which is situated on a stone platform on the Rahmat Mountain.
Destruction and Legacy
In 330 BCE, Alexander the Great invaded Persia and set fire to Persepolis, leading to its eventual decline. Despite its destruction, the ruins of Persepolis remain a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting historians and tourists alike, eager to witness the remnants of this once-magnificent city.
Ancient Capitals of Iran during the Seleucids and Parthians
When it comes to the ancient capitals of Iran during the Seleucid period, it should be mentioned that after Alexander’s invasion, Iran came under the rule of the Seleucids, and the Seleucid dynasty was established. Seleucus I founded a city on the banks of the Tigris River and named it Seleucia. Seleucia, along with Ctesiphon, became part of the seven cities that formed the Mada’in. However, after the Seleucids, it was the Parthians who took control of the government. The Parthians had various capitals, including Nisa, Estakhr (also known as Istakhr), and Ctesiphon. It is said that Nisa was the first capital of the Parthians, although some believe that Ctesiphon was their first capital.
Saddarvazeh or Damghan
One of the ancient capitals of Iran is the city of Saddarvazeh, also known as Damghan, As we mentioned, it was one of the main capitals of the Parthians, and some consider it their first capital. The Greeks knew this city as “Hekatompolis” because they gave this title to any city that had more than four gates. It is said that at its peak, Saddarvazeh had an area of 28 square kilometers.
During the Islamic period, this city became known as “Qumis” and was the center of the Qumis province. It is worth mentioning that Qumis was destroyed by an earthquake in 856 AD and was likely abandoned thereafter. The ancient city is now referred to as the city of Qumis (located between Semnan and Damghan in Semnan Province).
Tisfun or Ctesiphon
Another ancient capital of Iran worth mentioning is the city of Tisfun. As we mentioned, during the Parthian era, it was considered one of the important capitals. Tisfun is located on the eastern banks of the Tigris River, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Baghdad in present-day Iraq. This city served as the capital of the Iranian empire for over six hundred years during the Parthian and Sassanian periods but fell under Muslim Arab rule in 637 during the Battle of Al-Mada’in.
Tisfun was built as the western capital of Iran during the Parthian dynasty. It also held great significance as a political and economic center during the Sassanian era. After the Arab invasion of Iran, Tisfun was plundered and abandoned. It is said that Tisfun encompassed seven cities within it, and its residents included Arameans, Assyrians, and Arabs in present-day Iraq, Syria, and the Arabian Peninsula, who referred to it as Mada’in, meaning “the cities.” One of the notable remnants from the Sassanian period in this city is the Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Ctesiphon.
Ancient Capitals of Iran After Islam
If we want to continue exploring the ancient capitals of Iran from the past to the present, we need to step forward step by step and examine the different dynasties that ruled this land after the Arab invasion. However, instead of doing that, we prefer to directly focus on the cities that served as the capitals of various governments and introduce each one individually. Join us on this journey as we review some more ancient capitals of Iran.
Nishapur
One city that cannot be overlooked when examining the ancient capitals of Iran is Nishapur. This city, located in the Khorasan province, was chosen as the capital during the Tahirid dynasty. It was also the birthplace of many ancient Iranian scholars and poets. Additionally, it should be noted that Nishapur was also the capital during the early Seljuk period. Although it did not serve as a capital in later eras, it remained an important center for culture, art, and trade.
Qazvin
Qazvin is another historical city that finds its place on the list of ancient capitals of Iran, as it was once the capital of the country. Interestingly, its history dates back to the Sassanian era. This city served as a major economic hub along the Silk Road and was an important commercial center. However, it was only during the Safavid period that Qazvin was chosen as the capital of Iran for 57 years.
It is worth mentioning that Qazvin is also known as the capital of Iranian calligraphy since many calligraphers, including Mir Emad, made significant contributions to the art of calligraphy there and left their enduring legacy in the history of art.
Rey
Truly, we cannot discuss the ancient capitals of Iran without mentioning the name of the ancient city of Rey. Rey is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the past, this region was referred to as “Sheikh ol-Balad” (the Sheikh of the Cities). The history of Rey dates back to the era of the Aryan tribes. It is said that Rey was one of the largest cities of the Medes. In the literal sense, Rey means “royal city,” and its inhabitants are called “Razi.”
Rey was considered one of the ancient capitals of Iran during the Ziyarid and Seljuk periods. It is interesting to know that this city has been mentioned by various names throughout history, such as Raks, Raz, Ragz, Raga, Ragheh, Arshkiya, Rago, Ragia, Ragiana, Ram Ardeshirame-al-Belad, Rey Shahr, Sheikh ol-Belad, and Mohammadieh. It is also mentioned in the Vendidad that Rey was the thirteenth city built in the world. Historians believe that the history of habitation in this city dates back to 6000 BC.
Shiraz
Shiraz is another important city in our country that finds its place on the list of ancient capitals of Iran. This city, which is the center of Fars Province, has a historical background. It seems that this city existed even before the Sassanian era. However, it was during the Buyid dynasty that Shiraz was chosen as a capital. During the Atabakan period, Shiraz remained safe from the Mongol invasion. In later eras, during the Zand dynasty, Shiraz became the capital of Iran once again. This city has long been the birthplace of Iranian art and culture and has preserved many historical relics.
Isfahan
But how can we talk about the ancient capitals of Iran without mentioning Isfahan? Isfahan, with all its historical monuments and sites, has been the capital of Iran in three different periods. The Safavid, Seljuk, and Buyid dynasties all chose this city as their capital, and many remnants of those eras can still be found in this beautiful historical city. It is also interesting to note that in 2006, Isfahan was recognized as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. The presence of various attractions in this city has earned it the title of “Half of the World.”
Cultural Flourishing
The Naqsh-e Jahan Square one of the largest city squares in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Isfahan’s architectural splendor. The square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Shah Mosque, the Ali Qapu Palace, and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
Isfahan’s transformation into a cultural and artistic hub during the Safavid era led to the flourishing of Persian art, literature, and architecture. The city’s bazaars, gardens, and bridges, such as the Si-o-se-pol Bridge, reflect the grandeur and sophistication of Safavid urban planning.
Tehran
Although Tehran is recognized as the capital in the modern era and during the Qajar, Pahlavi, and post-Islamic Republic periods, we cannot overlook the ancient capitals of Iran and disregard its current capital status. This city was a significant rural area in the past and it was during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar that it was chosen as the capital and seat of government. During the reign of Reza Shah, Tehran underwent modern architecture and urban planning, gradually transforming into what we know today as the capital of Iran.
The city is home to numerous landmarks, including the Golestan Palace, the Azadi Tower, and the Milad Tower, symbolizing Iran’s rich history and contemporary progress.
Final words
In this article, we attempted to introduce you to some of the ancient capitals of Iran. We started from before the Aryan domination of Iran and reached the modern era. Among them, we introduced cities such as Susa, Hegmataneh (Hamadan), Persepolis, Damghan, Tisfun, Nishapur, Qazvin, Rey, Shiraz, Isfahan, and Tehran. By understanding the historical significance and cultural heritage of these ancient capitals, we can appreciate the rich tapestry of Iran’s past and its enduring legacy. We hope that we have been able to provide you with a glimpse of the history of this beautiful country.
FAQ
1.What was the significance of Persepolis in ancient Iran?
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Darius the Great. It was primarily used for ceremonial events and showcased the empire’s wealth and architectural prowess.
2.Why is Susa considered an important archaeological site?
Susa, one of the oldest cities in the world, served as the capital of the Elamite Empire and later became a prominent city in the Achaemenid Empire. Excavations in Susa have unearthed numerous artifacts, providing valuable insights into ancient civilizations.
3.What architectural features made Ecbatana unique?
Ecbatana was famous for its seven concentric walls, each painted in different colors, symbolizing the different planets and metals. The city’s royal palace was adorned with precious metals and stones, showcasing Median power and prosperity.
4.What is the historical significance of Ctesiphon?
Ctesiphon was the capital of the Sasanian Empire and a major political, cultural, and economic center. The Taq Kasra, an iconic structure of the Sasanian era, stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Sasanian builders.
5.How did Isfahan transform during the Safavid era?
Under the reign of Shah Abbas I, Isfahan transformed into a magnificent city, renowned for its beauty and cultural significance. The city’s architectural wonders, such as the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, reflect the grandeur and sophistication of Safavid urban planning.
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