The Outlook of Markazi Province in Ancient Times

The present paper briefly investigates the history of Markazi Province during ancient periods with reference to historical texts and archeological explorations. The findings of this study indicate that, based on existing prehistoric fossils, this Province was a water-rich region and an appropriate environment for human residence during prehistory. However, the fact that, in contrast to pre-history, some of the areas in this Province were not inhabited until the Arsacid Period requires some more scrutiny and research. Since this region was located in the vast realm of the Median Empire and on a commercial caravan-using highway which started from Khorasan and the East and, after passing through Hamedan, ended in Mesopotamia, it played a significant role in the commercial and military decisions made by pre-Islam rulers. During the last centuries of the Sassanid period, through constructing several fortresses and fire temples, this place turned into an important residential and religious region.