Susa of Ahwaz: Seven Thousand Years of History

The city of Susa (Ancient Susa) is located in northern Ahwaz and is considered one of the oldest human settlements in the world, with a history dating back nearly seven thousand years. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 due to its unique historical and cultural significance.

A Rich History Spanning Thousands of Years

The earliest human settlements in the Susa region date back to approximately 7000 BC, with remains of a village estimated to be 7,000 years old discovered in the vicinity of this ancient city.

Since the beginning of the fourth millennium BC, Susa has made its mark on history, emerging as an artistic, industrial, commercial, and political center. The city was chosen as the political and religious capital during the Elamite period due to its strategic location. Until 640 BC—when the city was destroyed by Ashurbanipal, the king of the NeoAssyrian Empire—it retained its significance.

By the midfifth millennium BC (Copper Age), more than 100 villages existed in the Ahwaz plain. Among the oldest of these settlements was “Chogha Mish,” dating back to 6800 BC.

Over its long history, Susa witnessed the succession of numerous civilizations. It was the capital of the Elamite Empire and later became an important city during the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods. Its archaeological remains reflect the influences of Elamite, Achaemenid, Greek (Seleucid), Parthian, Sassanian, and Islamic civilizations.

The French Castle: A Testament to the Age of Archaeological Exploration

The Susa Castle, also known as the French Castle or Château de Morgan, is situated atop the historic Acropolis hill near the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel.

The castle was built in 1897 by order of the French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan, who led the French archaeological mission in Susa for 15 years.

Surprisingly, despite its appearance, the castle is not as ancient as it seems—it is only about 125 years old.

Constructed in the medieval European style, it resembles the Bastille in France, featuring a trapezoidal design and a massive structure.

The castle was built using materials from historical buildings in the area, including bricks from the Apadana Palace (the palace of Darius the Great) and the Chogha Zanbil ziggurat. Some of these bricks bear cuneiform inscriptions, raising concerns among modern historians about the impact on the original archaeological sites.

After 1979, ownership of the castle was transferred from France to Tehran. It suffered significant damage during the IranIraq War but was later restored. Today, it serves as a museum displaying artifacts discovered in the region.

The Tomb of Prophet Daniel: A Sacred Site for Multiple Faiths

The Tomb of Prophet Daniel is located near the Shavur River, opposite Susa Castle. It is a significant religious site for both Jewish and Muslim communities.

Daniel, a prophet mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, was known for his unwavering faith and his role as a wise man during the reigns of several Babylonian and Persian kings. Although he is not directly mentioned in the Quran, he is highly revered in Islamic traditions.

Many legends surround the tomb, including the belief that Daniel’s coffin was initially placed in the middle of the river to protect it from desecration. It is also said that the Seljuk Sultan Sanjar placed Daniel’s wooden coffin inside a larger crystal coffin, which was suspended by chains above a bridge as a tribute to the prophet.

The tomb is distinguished by its unique conical dome, which reflects a blend of Islamic architectural elements. The interior is adorned with tilework narrating stories from Daniel’s life.

Other Archaeological Landmarks in Susa

In addition to the French Castle and the Tomb of Prophet Daniel, Susa is home to several other significant archaeological sites, including:

Apadana Palace: One of the most magnificent palaces in Ahwaz’s history, built by Darius the Great during the Achaemenid era between 521 and 515 BC.

The Acropolis of Susa: This site offers additional archaeological insights through its multilayered history, revealing the city’s ancient layout and defensive structures, highlighting Susa’s strategic importance across different historical periods.

The Archaeological Site of Susa: One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, where visitors can explore the remnants of various civilizations, from the Elamite Empire to the modern era, through its palaces, temples, and residential complexes.

Today, Susa stands as an openair museum of ancient civilizations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to travel through time and explore seven thousand years of human history.