Hegmataneh Hill

Ecbatana is the vastest ancient hill in Iran that considered as the most attractive and mysterious place for archeological excavations, also known as Hegmataneh Hill. It is located at the heart of today's Hamadan. The ancient zone is historically unparalleled and was used during the times of the Medes, Achaemenes, and Parthian dynasties.

ancient hegmataneh hill


History

Hegmataneh is a historic hill with over 3000 years of history which dates back to the Median period. This historic hill home to an ancient underground city that was chosen as the Median capital in the late 8th century BC and considered as a summer residence for Parthian and Achaemenid kings due to its well-positioned place.

As you know, this ancient city was the capital city of the first Iranian kings. Hegmataneh Hill covers an area of about 30 hectares and is located in the old section of Hamedan city in the Ekbatan Street. The first Greek historian, Herodotus believed that the Medas chose it as their capital city about 800 BC and described the city as being surrounded by seven concentric walls of different colors. Another Greek historian, Pelibious wrote: “this hill with strong palace was located in Alvand Mountain and king’s palace was inside seven ramparts”. Ecbatana hill ages over three thousand years and is registered as a national heritage, not to mention its being in wait for entering the world registration as a world heritage status as well.


Architecture

The main structure is of adobe and mud-straw, and partially brick in some districts. In the process of excavations, numerous distinctive and valuable objects were explored, often belonging to the Achaemenes and their ancestors. According to Herodotus, the first Greek Historian, the constructors and architects of this historical city had built a amazing complex including a castle, treasury and a cantonment. The archaeological excavations in the ancient Hegmataneh have revealed stone-age tools and pottery, showing its outstanding architectural plan and valuable items.


Facts about Hegmataneh Hill

A golden tablet that is the oldest historic work discovered there that is now kept in the Berlin Museum in Germany. Another golden tablet found there that belongs to Ariarman, the grandchild of Hakhamanesh. Also, There are other tablets discovered that belongs to Khashayar Shah, Ardeshir and Dariush II that is transferred to great museums around the world.