Susa
Shush · Shushan · Sushan · Susa/Shush
Neolithic to Medieval (c.4200 BCE–1218 CE; Elamite capital c.2700–646 BCE; Achaemenid palace 522–331 BCE)·Elamite / Persian Achaemenid / Seleucid / Parthian / Sassanian·🇮🇷 Khuzestan Province, Iran
Wikipedia contributors · CC (see file page)
About
About Susa
Elamite capital then Achaemenid administrative capital (Darius I, 522 BCE), Susa preserves mound sequence from 4200 BCE: Apadana of Darius (36 limestone columns, glazed brick friezes of Immortals and lions now Louvre), Acropole, Ville Royale, Artisans' City. Code of Hammurabi found here (Shutruk-Nahhunte brought as booty). French excavations since 1851 (Dieulafoy, de Morgan, Ghirshman).
Why it mattersElamite capital and Achaemenid winter palace; Code of Hammurabi provenance
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Location of Elamite high terrace temple vs Achaemenid Apadana foundation reuse
- 02Cause of final abandonment after Mongol 1218 sack
Theories
- 01Susa chosen by Darius for winter administration due to lowland climate vs Persepolis summer capital
- 02Hammurabi stele captured by Elamite king as trophy 12th c BCE
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Village 4200 BCE; Elamite city by 2700 BCE; Apadana 521–515 BCE
- Period
- Neolithic to Medieval (c.4200 BCE–1218 CE; Elamite capital c.2700–646 BCE; Achaemenid palace 522–331 BCE)
- Culture
- Elamite / Persian Achaemenid / Seleucid / Parthian / Sassanian
- Purpose
- Elamite religious capital and Achaemenid empire administrative winter capital
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
Village 4200 BCE; Elamite city by 2700 BCE; Apadana 521–515 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1225 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
32.1894° N · 48.2578° E · 85 m · 3 mapped features
- Apadana of Darius IpalaceColumned audience hall 109×109 m, 36 columns 20 m high, glazed brick friezes32.1915° N · 48.2485° E
- Acropole MoundtellHighest tell with Elamite layers and French casemate museum32.1903° N · 48.2467° E
- Code of Hammurabi FindspotfindspotAcropolis where de Morgan found Hammurabi stele 190132.1900° N · 48.2475° E
Gallery