Gondishapur (Jundishapur) in Khuzestan was the greatest intellectual center of the ancient world. The academy taught medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology. Its teaching hospital became the model for Islamic hospitals.
Fun Facts
When Roman Emperor Justinian closed the Academy of Athens in 529 CE, Neoplatonic philosophers fled to Gondishapur. The Bukhtishu medical dynasty from this academy served as physicians to the Abbasid caliphs for 300 years. Greek, Indian, and Syriac texts were translated here into Pahlavi and later Arabic.
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Construction of Persepolis
Darius I ordered construction of "Parsa" (Persepolis) on the slopes of Mount Rahmat. Built on a 125,000 m² stone terrace, it served as the ceremonial capital for Nowruz and Mehregan celebrations. Construction spanned 150 years across multiple kings.
Completion of the Royal Road
The Royal Road was a 2,699 km paved highway connecting Susa (administrative capital) to Sardis (Lydia). With 111 relay stations where couriers changed horses, messages traveled at astonishing speed across the empire.
Burning of Persepolis
After capturing Persepolis, Alexander allowed looting of the treasuries. Reportedly 10,000 mules and 5,000 camels were needed to carry the gold and silver. Then the palaces burned—some say at the urging of Thais the Athenian, others call it revenge for the Acropolis burning.
Battle of al-Qadisiyyah
In this four-day battle near Kufa, the army of Rostam Farrokhzad (Sassanid general) was defeated by Saad ibn Abi Waqqas. Rostam was killed and the Kaviani Banner fell to the Arabs. This battle opened the way to conquer Ctesiphon.