3rd century BC Parthian Fortress near Ashgabat
Nisa, also called Parthaunisa, was an ancient city about 11miles southwest of Ashgabat. Archaeologists do not all agree about its role and significance, but it is generally taken to have been founded by Arsaces 1 of Parthia the founder of the Arsacid dynasty of Parthia in the 3rd century BC. The city was a major trading centre of the Parthian Empire but was totally destroyed by an earthquake sometime during the first decade BC.
The site has been comprehensively researched to show substantial buildings, mausoleums and shrines, inscribed documents and a looted treasury. Many Hellenistic works of art have been recovered as well as a large number of ivory rhytons. The fortress at Nisa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.
Back to Daily Reports
Latest comments