Takht-e Soleyman
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The name "Takht e Soleiman" means The Throne of Solomon in Persian.
The fortified site is situated in a valley set amid a mosaic of cultivated fields 250 miles west of Tehran. The site includes the remains of a Zoroastrian sanctuary partially rebuilt during the Ilkhanid period as well as a temple from the Sassanid ages that was dedicated to the Persian Goddess Anahita. Like many other sites in Iran such as Firouzabad and Ctesiphon, the designs of the fire temple, the palace, and the general layout are thought to have heavily influenced the development of Islamic architecture.
Legend has it that King Solomon used to imprison monsters inside the 100 m deep crater of nearby Zendan e Soleiman (meaning "The prison of solomon"). Another crater inside the fortification itself is filled with spring water, and has created a flowing pond still existing today. The pond is mentioned in a 4th century Armenian manuscript relating to Jesus and Zarathustra. The foundations of the fire temple around the pond is attributed to that legend. The pond is also mentioned by various historians of the Islamic period as well.
Archaeological excavations have revealed traces of a 5th century BC occupation during the Achaemenid period, as well as later Parthian settlements in the citadel. Coins belonging to the reign of Sassanid kings and that of the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II (AD 408-450), have also been discovered there.
Each Sassanide ruler according to legend, would journey there to humble himself at the sacred altar of the fire God before ascending the throne.
See also
- List of Iranian castles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Castles_in_Iran)
External link
- Official Website (http://www.takhtesoleiman.ir/)
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