Saed News: This article explores the capitals of the Achaemenid kings. From Pasargadae and Ecbatana to Persepolis and Susa, it delves into the history and culture of the Achaemenid Empire and examines the significance of these cities in ancient civilization.
According to the analytical news platform Saed News, the Achaemenid monarchs were a line of 13 Persian kings who ruled from 550 to 330 BCE, governing vast parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Founded by Cyrus the Great, the Achaemenid Empire encompassed almost the entirety of the civilized world—from the Indus Valley in India to the Nile River in Egypt, including the region of modern-day Benghazi in Libya, and from the Danube River in Europe to Central Asia. It is remembered as the largest ancient empire in world history.
The Achaemenid Empire became a successful model of global governance. Its achievements—such as centralized administration, road and postal systems, an official language, public services, and a vast, organized army—were later imitated by subsequent empires.
The Achaemenids belonged to the Pasargadae clan and resided in Pars (Persis). The founder of their dynasty was Achaemenes.
The capital of the Median dynasty, Ecbatana (modern-day Hamadan), was considered the first capital in Iranian history and served as a central hub for the Median kingdom.
In 550 BCE, the Achaemenid dynasty began its reign.
Known by various names such as Parseh, Persepolis, Thousand Columns, or Forty Minarets, Persepolis is located in northern Marvdasht County in Fars Province (northeast of Shiraz), about 50 km from the provincial center. It gained fame over time as the magnificent ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Built during the reigns of Darius the Great, Xerxes, and Artaxerxes I, Persepolis served for about 50 years as a center for religious and celebratory ceremonies. The architectural masterpiece of this ancient city showcases the beauty and grandeur of Achaemenid design.
On Nowruz (Persian New Year), numerous delegations from various regions would gather in Persepolis, presenting offerings to the king. Founded by Darius the Great, Persepolis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is a vibrant display of ancient art, architecture, and cultural heritage and remains one of Iran’s most significant tourist attractions.
Pasargadae, the first capital of the Achaemenids, is a collection of ancient structures in Pasargad County, Fars Province. It includes the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the royal garden, gate palace, audience palace, private palace, towers, royal garden fountains, the tomb of Cambyses, fortified structures of Tall-e Takht, the Mozaffari caravanserai, a sacred zone, and the Bolaghi Gorge.
Pasargadae was Iran’s fifth site to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Susa – The Winter Capital
Susa, covering an area of 5.6 square kilometers, is located 115 km northwest of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. It lies at 32°2′ N and 47°1′ E, at an elevation of 87 meters above sea level and is 479 km in a straight line from Tehran (766 km by road). It is also close to cities such as Shushtar, Dezful, and Andimeshk.
An ancient city of great renown, Susa served as the capital of the ancient Elamite kingdom and later as the winter capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
Babylon, originally an Akkadian city founded by the Amorite dynasty in 1867 BCE in Mesopotamia, is located in present-day Babil Province, Iraq, about 85 km south of Baghdad. Under Hammurabi, Babylon rose to prominence. After its fall, it passed through the hands of the Assyrians, Kassites, and Elamites before emerging as the capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire around 612 BCE.
Its Hanging Gardens were one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. After being conquered by the Achaemenids, Babylon later fell under Seleucid, Parthian, Roman, and Sassanian control.
Ecbatana, meaning “the place of gathering,” was the ancient name of Hamadan during the Median and Achaemenid periods. It served as the summer capital of the Achaemenid and Parthian empires due to its cool climate.
Known in Greek as Ekbatana and believed by Herodotus to be founded by Deioces, the city reportedly had seven concentric walls, each painted in the color of a celestial body.
1. What was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire?
Pasargadae was the first capital, serving as the seat of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid dynasty.
2. Which city served as the summer capital?
Ecbatana (modern Hamadan) was chosen for its cool weather.
3. Which city was the winter capital?
Susa was the winter capital during the reign of Artaxerxes and later replaced by Babylon.
4. Which capital is considered the most renowned?
Persepolis is regarded as the most significant and famous capital, serving as the political, military, and ceremonial center.
5. Which cities are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Pasargadae and Persepolis are the two major Achaemenid capitals inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We hope this journey through the grand capitals of the Achaemenid monarchs transported you to a glorious and unparalleled historical era. These capitals are masterpieces of art, architecture, and civilization, still resonating through history. For more insights into ancient history and culture, consult reliable sources and continue to explore the fascinating legacy of human civilization.
