Ecbatana

Ecbatana was an ancient city, the capital of Media, and later a significant administrative center for the Achaemenid and subsequent empires. Located in northwestern Iran, its exact ancient site is believed to be near modern-day Hamadan, though definitive archaeological identification remains a subject of scholarly discussion. The city's strategic position on trade routes contributed to its importance.

Herodotus describes Ecbatana as a magnificent city, particularly its citadel. He details how it was built on seven concentric ramparts, each rising higher than the last, with the royal palace and treasury situated on the innermost and highest level. These ramparts were said to be adorned with different colors, adding to the city's grandeur. The city's construction, particularly its elaborate fortifications, reflects the advanced engineering capabilities of the time.

Ecbatana served as a summer residence for Achaemenid kings, including Darius the Great and Xerxes. It was a place where important state affairs were conducted and where royal treasures were kept. The city's importance waned with the rise of other regional capitals, but its historical significance as a major ancient Near Eastern city endures. Its name appears in various historical texts, attesting to its enduring legacy.