kids encyclopedia robot

Susa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Susa
شوش
Carskie melynici 2.JPG
Susa is located in Iran
Susa
Location in Iran
Susa is located in West and Central Asia
Susa
Location in West and Central Asia
Location Shush, Khuzestan Province, Iran
Region Zagros Mountains
Coordinates 32°11′26″N 48°15′28″E / 32.19056°N 48.25778°E / 32.19056; 48.25778
Type Settlement
History
Founded Approximately 4200  BCE
Abandoned 1218 CE
Events Battle of Susa
Site notes
Condition Abandoned and in ruins
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name Susa
Criteria Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv
Inscription 2015 (39th Session)

Susa (Ancient Greek: τά Σοῦσα) was a very old city in Iran. It was an important place for several powerful groups. These included the Elamites, Persians, and Parthians. They all built their empires around this area.

Susa was located in the lower Zagros Mountains. It was about 250 kilometers (155 miles) east of the Tigris River. The city sat between the Karkheh and Dez Rivers. This made it a good spot for trade and farming.

The ancient city site covers about one square kilometer. It has three large hills, or "mounds." These are called the Apadana mound, the Acropolis mound, and the Ville Royale (royal town) mound. Each mound holds secrets from different times in Susa's history.

Today, the modern Iranian town of Shush stands where ancient Susa once was. Shush is believed to be the same place as Shushan. This name is mentioned in the Book of Esther and other old books.

What Was Susa Like?

Susa was one of the oldest cities in the world. People lived there as early as 4200 BCE. This means it was a busy place for thousands of years. It was a center for culture, trade, and power.

Early History of Susa

Susa started as a small settlement. Over time, it grew into a large city. It became the capital of the Elamite kingdom. The Elamites were a powerful group in ancient Iran. They had their own writing system and art.

Archaeologists have found many amazing things in Susa. These include pottery, tools, and clay tablets. These items tell us about the daily lives of the people. They also show how advanced the Elamite culture was.

Susa Under Persian Rule

Later, Susa became very important to the Persian Empire. It was one of their main capital cities. Famous Persian kings like Darius the Great built grand palaces there. These palaces were known for their beautiful decorations.

The Persian kings used Susa as a place to rule their vast empire. People from many different lands came to Susa. This made it a diverse and busy city. It was a hub for trade routes and political decisions.

Susa in Later Empires

After the Persians, Alexander the Great conquered Susa. He even held a famous mass wedding there. Later, Susa was part of the Seleucid Empire. This was a Greek kingdom that ruled parts of Asia.

Susa continued to be important under the Parthian and Sasanian empires. It was a key city for trade and administration. The city finally declined and was abandoned around 1218 CE.

Why Was Susa Important?

Susa was important for many reasons. Its location made it a natural meeting point. It connected different cultures and trading networks. It was a bridge between the ancient Near East and the Iranian plateau.

The city also played a big role in history and religion. It is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Bible. This shows its lasting impact on the world. Today, Susa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it is a special place that needs to be protected.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Susa para niños

kids search engine
Susa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.