Parthian Fortresses of Nisa
Nisa · Mithridatkirt · Old and New Nisa
Parthian Arsacid 3rd c BCE–3rd c CE (peak 1st c BCE–1st c CE)·Parthian / Arsacid·🇹🇲 Ahal Province, Kopet Dag foothills, Turkmenistan
About
About Parthian Fortresses of Nisa
Parthian ceremonial and administrative capital (3rd c BCE–3rd c CE) of two tells: Old Nisa (Mithridatkert fortress 14 ha with 43 towers, wine rhytons and ivory rhytons inscribed Arsacid) and New Nisa plain city. Hellenistic-Iranian syncretism with Greek inscriptions and Roman imports shows Arsacid cosmopolitanism.
Why it mattersParthian ceremonial and administrative capital (3rd c BCE–3rd c CE) of two tells: Old Nisa (Mithridatkert fortress 14 ha
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Discrepancy Old Nisa ritual vs actual residence – why double site?
- 02Rhyton ostraca Parthian language decipherment
Theories
- 01Invernizzi's interpretation as federal sanctuary not capital palace
- 02Wine culture links Parthian elite Hellenistic consumption
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.250 BCE by Arsaces I; rebuilt Mithridates I 171–138 BCE
- Period
- Parthian Arsacid 3rd c BCE–3rd c CE (peak 1st c BCE–1st c CE)
- Culture
- Parthian / Arsacid
- Purpose
- Dynastic fortress and wine treasury-ceremonial center of Parthian Empire
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.250 BCE by Arsaces I; rebuilt Mithridates I 171–138 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1169 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
37.9590° N · 58.2110° E · 320 m · 3 mapped features
Old Nisa fortress (Mithridatkirt)
fortress14 ha towered fortress with square hall
37.9590° N · 58.2040° ESquare Hall (four columns) with rhytons
hall12 m high columns once storing 2,700 ivory rhytons
37.9585° N · 58.2115° ENew Nisa plain settlement
settlementUrban grid below citadel
37.9650° N · 58.2150° E
Gallery