Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The archaeological remains of ancient Hegmataneh, located in northwestern Iran, offer a rare glimpse into the history of a city that has been continuously inhabited for nearly three millennia. Known today as Ecbatana and situated in modern-day Hamadan, Hegmataneh was once the capital of the Median Empire (678-549 BCE) and later served as the summer residence for the Achaemenid, Seleucid, Parthian, and Sasanian rulers. The site holds immense historical significance as a major center of power and culture in ancient times.
The ruins, now a vital archaeological site, include remnants of the Royal Palace, temples, and fortifications, with excavations revealing valuable artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and coins. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegmataneh is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a fascinating link to the past within the city of Hamadan. Hamedan ‘s Tourism on the Rise: Foreign Visitors Surge as Hegmataneh Gains UNESCO Status Throughout the last three years, the province welcomed 23,210 foreign tourists, and the number of accommodation beds increased from 4,070 to 4,604.
The official emphasized that Hegmataneh’s recent UNESCO registration marks just the beginning of Hamedan’s tourism journey. Hegmataneh is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. It offers a glimpse into the history of the Median and Achaemenid Empires and their influence on the development of Persian civiliz.