“Due to the historical documents indicating that Phraaspa was located somewhere in Azarbaijan, our team began studying some areas around Zahak Castle, which dates back to the Parthian era. After finding more than 20 habitation sites and eight barbicans from the Parthian era, we were certain we had discovered the ancient castle,” said Mohammad Feizkhah, an expert of the East Azarbaijan Cultural and Tourism Department.
Alexander occupied Media in the summer of 330 BC. In 328 he appointed Atropates, a former general of Darius, as satrap. In the partition of his empire, southern Media was given to the Macedonian Peithon; but the north, which lay far off and was of little importance for the generals who fought for the inheritance of Alexander, was left to Atropates.
While southern Media with Ecbatana passed to the rule of Antigonus, and afterwards to Seleucus I, Atropates maintained himself in his satrapy and succeeded in founding an independent kingdom. Thus the partition of the country, which the Persians had introduced, became lasting; the north was named Atropatene, after the founder of the dynasty, a name which is preserved in modern Azarbaijan.
The capital was Gazaca in the central plain, and the strong castle of the city was Phraaspa, which was believed to be identical with the great ruin Takht-e Suleiman, with remains of Sassanid fire temples and of a later palace.
A number of archaeologists also previously believed that Phraaspa was located in the region around Bakhtak Castle in southern East Azerbaijan Province.
“Since there are no defensive structures and wide plains near Bakhtak Castle, we can not say that Phraaspa was located in the surrounding area,” Feizkhah argued.
“The newly discovered sites are scattered over wide areas. In addition, archaeologists have previously discovered many religious monuments and artifacts dating back to the Parthian era near Zahak Castle,” he said in conclusion.
MMS/HG
End
MNA
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