Rabana-Merquly

The Rabana-Merquly archaeological site in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, is a remarkable cluster of historical significance dating back to the Middle Parthian period, around 50-150 CE. The site consists primarily of two separate fortified settlements, Rabana and Merquly, alongside at least two notable rock reliefs. These features suggest the site's role as a strategic defensive location and possibly a significant urban center during its time. The settlements' fortifications point to their importance in regional defense and governance. The rock reliefs, believed to depict a king of Adiabene, further enhance the site's historical value, potentially indicating its identification with the ancient city of Natounia, known from coinage but not previously located. This site contributes significantly to understanding the Parthian Empire's urban and defensive strategies, especially in the context of the wider Mesopotamian region.