Susa that can be considered one of the oldest cities on the planet has been an attractive sightseeing destination due to its records of the ancient world. Susa is located in the south western part of present day Iran between both the Karkheh and Dez rivers and the antiquity of the city goes back to thousands of years ago and captures the spirit of people and civilization.
A city of great and remarkable heritage
The post examined here shows that Susa’s history can be dated back to the Neolithic Age that span from 7000BC. By 4200 BCE the city emerged as a large urban centre for which a massive terrase platform, probably for religious and cultic purposes, to the god Inshushinak, the god of darkness and other world was constructed. It has layers of continuing occupation beginning from what may be described as cradle of civilization.
By 4th Millennium BC Susa was a political capital of Elam, which reflected architectural master plan and new concepts of town planning. Because Susa is situated on the Susiana Plain with water provided by rivers originated from the Zagros Mountains, the city flourished as the center of agriculture trade and crafts.
This is particularly so since the contemporary world is characterized by cultural relativism and religious diversity.
In all the epochs, the center of Susa was recognized as a place with different cultures and beliefs. Called “Susan” or “Susun” by the Elamites, “Sousa” by the Greeks and “Shushan” in Hebrew, Susa is actually referenced in biblical books including the Prophets Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
Susa reached the pinnacle of history greatest prominence as a capital of the Elamite empire during the Middle Elamite period (1600–1100 BCE). This period also witnessed development of pottery and metallurgy also the trade sector. Some of the rulers of Susa especially those of the Shutrukid Dynasty however enhance it by erecting large constructions and by conquests which added to the total ‘treasure’ of the city.
Observer of Empires and War
Being situated on the important trade route, Susa was always an object of desire for empires and kings. It was the first time in history to record a recorded war in 2700 BCE when King Enmebaragesi of kish reconstructed Awan and Susa region of Elamite. Slightly over three thousand years ago, the Akkadian King Naram Suen decapitated its statues while Hammurabi of Babylon destroyed its religious sculptures when he sacked the city in 1764 BC.
There were times that the city was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. Susa was destroyed by Ashurbanipal of Assyria in 645 BCE, in response to Elamite rebellions. But it again emerged during the era of the Achaemenid Empire. Different authors mentioned that Cyrus the Great took control of Susa in 540 BCE and incorporate it in his empire. Darius the Great built the city with great grace and splendor by later decorating it with his magnificent palace thus transforming it into a royal city.
A Legacy of Resilience
Susa survived from the Seleucid through the Parthian and into the Sasanian empire phases. A patronage of scholars and philosophy, art, and the exchange of goods that continued until the city’s stagnation occurred after Muslim conquest in 638 and the invasion of the Mongols in 1218.
However, what has remained of Susa? Evidence for this reality is a recommendation made by UNESCO in 2015, when it was declared a World Heritage Site with a focus on the site’s ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. Viewed from the archaeological mounds, citadel and ruins of structures seen around the region, is in intentional reflection of a pre–historical era.
Conclusion
So city of Susa Persia is a great example of history and cultural magnitude of ancient people. As a political capital and based on arts, religion and architecture, the pressures of the cities have been met by its people’s ingenuity. Today new city is building over these ruins and thus, Susa continues to present the history of civilization, which has no equivalents.
Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra is the Editor-In-Chief, thegulfobserver.com
