Nisa, Turkmenistan
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
| Criteria | Cultural: ii, iii |
| Reference | 1242 |
| Inscription | 2007 (31st Session) |
Nisa (also Parthaunisa) was an ancient city, located near modern-day Bagir village, 18 km southwest of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Nisa is described by some as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was traditionally founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250–211 BC), and was reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nisa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.
Excavations at Nisa have revealed substantial buildings, Mithraic mausoleums and shrines, many inscribed documents, and a looted treasury. Many Hellenistic art works have been uncovered, as well as a large number of ivory rhytons, the outer rims decorated with Iranian subjects or classical mythological scenes.
Nisa was later renamed Mithradatkirt ("fortress of Mithradates") by Mithridates I (reigned c. 171–138 BC).
Nisa was totally destroyed by an earthquake, which occurred during the first decade BC.
The fortress at Nisa was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.[1]
See also
References
External links
- 37°59′59″N 58°11′55″E / 37.9997°N 58.1986°E
- Archaeological Missions in Nisa
- Nissa Fortress, Ayan Tourism & Travel Company
- Historical site Nissa, State Committee of Turkmenistan for Tourism and Sport
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