Anshan (Persia)

Anshan, located in modern Tall-e Malyan, Iran, was a significant ancient city with roots tracing back to the late 4th millennium BCE. As an early urban center, it played a pivotal role in the Proto-Elamite and Elamite civilizations, acting as a major city in the region due to its strategic location on trade routes. The site expanded significantly during the Banesh period, with fortified walls and an extensive urban area. It was frequently mentioned in historical texts, such as the Sumerian King List, and was a focal point in Elamite and later Persian history. Noteworthy archaeological finds include inscriptions and proto-Elamite tablets which helped identify Anshan's historical significance. Its long history of occupation and its role in the formation of the Persian Empire highlight its archaeological and historical importance.