Heritage sites, Archaeological discoveries, History of Archaeology

Takht-i-Suleiman

Location

West Azarbaijan

Country

Iran

Year of Research

5th century BC

Culture

Takht-e Soleyman is an archaeological site in West Azarbaijan, Iran.
It lies central between urmia and Hamadan, very near the present day town of Takab, and 400km 250 miles west of Tehran.
This fortified site, which is located on a crater rim, was recognized as a World Heritage Site in July 2003.
It is likely corresponding for the ancient city of Phraaspa, capital of Atropatene.
The citadel includes the ruins of a Zoroastrian sanctuary built during the Sassanid period, and partially rebuilt during the Ilkhanid period.
According to myth, the temple housed one the three Great Fires or Royal Fires see Fire Temple.
Sassanid rulers are said to have journeyed there to humble themselves at the fire altar before ascending the throne.
Archaeological excavations have revealed traces of a 5th century BC occupation during the Achaemenid period, as well as later Parthian settlements in the citadel.
Coins belonging to the reign of Sassanid kings, and that of the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II AD 408-450 , have also been discovered there.