| Parthian Fortresses of Nisa* | |
|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii, iii |
| Reference | 1242 |
| Region† | Asia and Australasia |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2007 (31st Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO. |
|
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
- Archaeological Missions in Nisa
- Nissa Fortress, Ayan Tourism & Travel Company
- Historical site Nissa, State Committee of Turkmenistan for Tourism and Sport
