Sassanid Archaeological Landscape

I visited in 2019 just after it had been inscribed although the signs still didn't have any UNESCO logos. It was in English though, and well written, all that matters. There are many locations by the way. I stayed at a small place in Atashkadeh and had the Ardashir Palace just next to me but on the day of arrival it was too late - I saw it in the dark but why I would bother to check out shades. In the morning it was a good time to visit. In retrospective I may have added more of the sites on my journey but I don't find these too interesting. It was free and unprotected but for the flimsy gate. It may have better protection now but it's also in the middle of nowhere so nobody really "threatens" these. I think no maintenance is more of a hazard.

The main view was the domed hall. It has not much decoration and your main attractions are windows and doorways. It looks dull, yes, so do more research to understand why you are actually visiting. This surely isn't Persepolis!

You can see this place in 30 minutes easily which is why I was staying next door and had a quick look. Maybe the other sites are better but I doubt it. I could also do more research on this but we already have an academic review by Solivagant so please read his for more insight. Add this on your trip …

If ever nominated, this site would cover archaeological remains of the last pre-Islamic Iranian dynasty – the “Sassanids” (AD 224-651) whose empire stretched to the Levant, Central Asia, E Arabia and Turkey/the Caucusus. Succcessors to the Parthians, they too were involved militarily across their entire period against the Romans in the form of the Byzantine Empire and, having fought them to a mutual “standstill”, were in no position to oppose the new threat from the south of invading Arab Muslims, who largely overcame them in a period of just 4 years from 628-32 and changed Iran for ever.

The 3 “cities” are situated around 100kms west (Bishapur), south (Firuzabad) and east (Sarvestan) of Shiraz. In May 2015 We visited Bishapur and Sarvestan, and I somewhat regret not having taken in the 3rd at Firuzabad, which, from what I have read, possibly contains the “best” remains!

Sarvestan can be covered very quickly as it covers just a single building from 5th C AD. Although it is titled a “Palace”, its actual function isn’t understood. Its isolated location is quite appealing and its twin domes and iwans are, apparently, of some significance architecturally, involving “squinches”! My review photo is chosen purely to try to "show off" what are the building's most famous features - though I understand if they don't impress!! Sassanian architecture is of historical importance both for its innovation and also its incorporation of influences from e.g Byzantium and for providing a number of concepts which were later …