A Study of Parthian Fortifications Based on the Remnants

The main problem for knowing pre-Islamic architecture is the lack of architectural remains, especially during the Parthian period (247 B.C- 224 A.D), a period in which archaeological remains are really rare, and today most of the remains lie outside the borders of Iran. Due to lack of Parthian architectural remains, our knowledge of the architecture during this period lies mostly on the remains of fortifications. With the help of these remains, some dark aspects of Parthian architecture have been brought to light. Undoubtedly, studying these fortifications will give us the opportunity to know more about architecture and defensive systems in this period. Geographical conditions of Iran, as situated between Central Asia, India, Mesopotamia and Asia Minor, and on the Silk Road, has always made this land face attacks and offences from different nations and tribes, so that the kings were forced to protect the boundaries; one of the most effective ways for protection was building fortifications in these areas. This study is an attempt to introduce one the most important complex Parthian fortifications. The results show that most Parthian fortifications had square plans and semi-circular and rectangular bastions. Although these features can be seen in all fortifications all around Parthian territory, due to geographical conditions, the materials were different.