Ziwiyeh
Ziwyeh · Ziwiyeh Treasure · Ziviyeh
Iron Age (c.900–600 BCE; Mannean–Median–Scythian 750–600)·Mannean → Median → Scythian (Ziwiyeh treasure)·🇮🇷 Kurdistan Province, Zagros, Iran
About
About Ziwiyeh
Ziwiyeh is the looted but famous Iron citadel (fortified manor) above a Mannean deposit — 1947 treasure (gold pectoral with Winged genie, ivory plaques with Scythian animal style) betrays a Mannean–Scythian elite burial (or Treasury). Motamedi excavations revealed fortified citadel with columned hall, ivory workshop and destruction. The 200-piece Ziwiyeh Treasure is split between Tehran, Met and Louvre.
Why it mattersZiwiyeh Treasure — Mannean–Scythian animal style; Median–Scythian interface.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Was deposit a burial or treasury?
Theories
- 01Scythian–Mannaean elite fusion (Muscarella)
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.900 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age (c.900–600 BCE; Mannean–Median–Scythian 750–600)
- Culture
- Mannean → Median → Scythian (Ziwiyeh treasure)
- Builders
- Mannaean chiefs → Scythian prince?
- Purpose
- Settlement and ceremonial centre
- Abandoned
- c.600 BCE
- Rediscovered
- 1947 (André Godard looted)
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.750 BCE
Mannean citadel with treasure accumulation
c.600 BCE
Looted / burnt — Scythian burial hypothesis
1947
Illicit gold hoard surfaces; Met acquires pectoral
On the ground
Structures & features
36.2500° N · 46.7000° E · 1400 m · 3 mapped features
- Citadel Columned Hall and Ivory WorkshoppalaceMannean columned hall with ivory plaques (Scythian animal style) workshop36.2503° N · 46.7002° E
- Treasure Deposit Findspot (1947 Hoard)hoardHill slope where 1947 Ziwiyeh gold pectoral and ivories found36.2506° N · 46.6995° E
- Fortified Enclosure Wall and BastionsfortificationCitadel enclosure wall with bastions and gate36.2496° N · 46.7003° E
Gallery