Explore The Ancient City Of Ecbatana In Media, Hamedan, Iran

Before Persian empire was established by Cyrus the Great in 549 BC, Ecbatana was the capital city of Astyages and former Median kings. It came under Persian rule and was used as the summer resort of the Persian kings at the time of Darius the great. Its location at the foot of Mount Alvand made it an ideal summer residence.

The Parthian kings also made this city their capital and established a mint here in which drachm, tetradrachm, and many other bronze coins were produced. You can also find mention of this city in the Hebrew Bible (Ezra 6.2). It was referred to as Achmetha in the Bible.

Result of Excavations

Another reason that contributes to the reputation of this ancient city is the murder of Parmenio, the Macedonian Greek general, occurred here by the orders of Alexander. The first traces of the city were noticed in the excavation done by Charles Fossey in 1913. Later excavations in 1971 also revealed more parts of the city.

This capital city of Medes was founded by Deioces who started Median Empire. He is reported to have built seven concentric walls around his palace each one being colored differently. You can also find mention of this place by Herodotus in the 5th century. According to him, Ecbatana was built by the Medes with strong and huge walls around it.

Seven Walls

During your trip to Iran, when you visit Hamedan, you will find out that each of these walls was stronger than the one it encircled. It was built on a hill top with the royal treasury and the royal palace inside the innermost wall.

The battlements on the outer wall are white, followed by black, scarlet, blue and orange. All these walls are colored by paint. The inner two battlements were covered with silver and gold. Deioces had made all these fortifications to protect his kingdom.

Diverse Opinions

When you try to find out more about Ecbatana before Persian empire, there are many different opinions about it. It is difficult to find traces of the place on the Hagmatana hill before the Parthians. This place is also not mentioned in the Assyrian sources. Efforts are on to associate findings in the Sagbita with that of the Greek and the Assyrian texts. You can find out more during your trip to Iran when you visit this ancient city in the heart of the present city of Hamedan.