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Iraq

Seleucia

Ancient Mesopotamian city with Hellenistic influences

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Seleucia, founded by Seleucus I Nicator around 305 BCE, was a major Mesopotamian city on the Tigris River. As the first capital of the Seleucid Empire, it was a hub of Hellenistic culture and trade. The city was home to significant domestic and civic structures, including palaces and council chambers, and hosted religious structures like temples. Under Parthian rule from 141 BCE, Seleucia continued to thrive, ultimately becoming one of the largest cities in the Western world with a population of 600,000. Notable events include the relocation of Babylon's inhabitants, a massacre of Babylonian Jews, and its destruction by Roman forces led by Avidius Cassius in 165 CE. Its legacy includes its role in early Christian synods, contributing to the Church of the East's development.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Seleucia

FileDetail_inscribed_Greek_and_Parthian_script_lower_part_of_a_bronze_statuette_of_Hercules_from_Seleucia_on_the_Tigris_Iraq._Iraq_Museum.jpg
FileDetail_upper_part_of_a_bronze_statuette_of_Hercules_from_Seleucia_on_the_Tigris_Iraq._Iraq_Museum.jpg
FileSmall_statuette_of_a_naked_woman_from_Seleucia_on_the_Tigris_Iraq_3rd-2nd_century_BCE._Iraq_Museum_Baghdad.jpg

Archaeological Features

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Public and Civic Structures

Council Chambers

Religious and Ritual Structures

Temples

Domestic and Habitation Structures

CitiesPalaces

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Iraq
Source
Wikipedia