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Turkmenistan

Nisa, Turkmenistan

Ancient Parthian settlement with fortresses and mausoleums.

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

Nisa was an ancient Parthian settlement located near modern Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. It is considered one of the earliest seats of the Arsacid Empire, traditionally thought to be founded by Arsaces I around the 3rd century BCE. The site gained prominence as a major trading hub within the Parthian Empire and was later renamed Mithradātkert by Mithridates I in the 2nd century BCE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant defensive and funerary structures such as fortresses and mausoleums, along with Hellenistic art, inscriptions, and ivory rhytons. The site was known for its strategic importance and the beauty of its horses. However, Nisa was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1st century BCE. In 2007, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Nisa, Turkmenistan

FileNisa-Entrance-2015.JPG
FileNisa-Overview-2015.JPG
FileNisa.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Fortresses

Burial and Funerary Structures

Mausoleums

Religious and Ritual Structures

Mausoleums

Artistic and Decorative Features

Inscriptions

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Turkmenistan
Source
Wikipedia