Achaemenid Royal Capitals Quiz

Ectabana is located in modern Hamedan, in a cold mountainous region. It is significant as one of the royal capitals of the Achaemenid Empire, featuring a mound largely covered with the modern city today. Although no Achaemenid archaeological remains have been excavated, Herodotus writes of 7 concentric colorful city walls.

Excavating Achaemenid archaeological remains in Babylon was limited due to the city's low-lying position on the floodplains of Iraq, which restricted archaeological evidence to recent Neo-Babylonian periods. An external textual source, the clay tablet of Belshunu, governor of Babylon, provides insight into the region. This rudimentary document in cuneiform with Aramaic additions records his land management business and the blending of Babylonian/Achaemenid Persians and elite families.

Susa was the Elamite capital, known as Shush today. It holds significance as the best excavated Achaemenid site, with continuous major occupation from the 4000s BCE. Susa is also distinguished as the geographic point at which the Greeks stopped writing about the Achaemenids.

<p>During the Achaemenid period, Babylonian architecture in today's Baghdad was characterized by glazed brickwork, such as the Ishtar Gate, and clay architecture. Babylon was famous for its glazed brickwork and clay architecture, which contributed to its historical significance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The challenges in excavating Achaemenid archaeological remains in Ectabana include the modern city largely covering the historical mound, and the lack of excavated Achaemenid artifacts. However, unexcavated (looted) artifacts have been reported from later Achaemenid kings, such as column base stones. Additionally, Ectabana is known for its association with Herodotus' description of 7 concentric colorful city walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers