🇮🇷 Iran · Ancient city
Baba Jan Tepe
Iron Age I–II (1200–700 BCE; Phase II c.1000 BCE, Phase I c.800 BCE) · Central Zagros Iron Age (Luristan) → Median zone
Nurabad Iron Age pillared hall — 12-column prototype of Persian apadana.
🇹🇷 Turkey · Ancient city
Altıntepe
Urartian Kingdom 8th–6th century BCE (late empire western frontier) · Urartian → Median → Achaemenid
Argishti II's Euphrates citadel with pillared hall, subterranean passage and ivory tombs.
🇮🇷 Iran · Ancient city
Susa
Neolithic to Medieval (c.4200 BCE–1218 CE; Elamite capital c.2700–646 BCE; Achaemenid palace 522–331 BCE) · Elamite / Persian Achaemenid / Seleucid / Parthian / Sassanian
Elamite capital then Achaemenid administrative capital (Darius I, 522 BCE), Susa preserves mound sequence from 4200 BCE: Apadana of Darius (36 limestone columns, glazed brick friezes of Immortals and…
🇮🇷 Iran · Ancient city
Persepolis
Achaemenid · Persian Achaemenid
Ceremonial capital of Achaemenid Empire (515–330 BCE) with Apadana, Throne Hall, Treasury on terrace with relief of tribute bearers. Burned by Alexander 330 BCE, preserved by burial.