Ancient Hegmataneh Hill

Hegmataneh Hill, home to an ancient underground city, sits in the northern part of the old city of Hamedan. The 3000-year-old hill is termed the widest hill across the country. The ancient zone is historically unparalleled and was used during the times of the Medes, Achaemenes, and Parthian dynasties.

Over the last century, the hill has been excavated by domestic and foreign archeologists several  times. The first was a French team from the Louvre Museum in Paris, headed  by Charles Fossi.  He explored around the hill, but his results were never published.

About 14,000 square meters of the hill were surveyed over a 16-year term (from 1362 to 1378, solar calendar) and one of the oldest civilizations on earth was disclosed and 2 exceptionally massive towers were dug up.

The old hill features a long barricade, 9 meters high.  In scientific investigations headed by Dr. Muhammad Rahim Sarraf, a large city was found inside the hill. The marvelous construction of the ancient city contained thoroughly identical, and symmetrical buildings with parallel passageways of the same size between them. The site enjoyed water facilities and an adobe wall, approximately 10 m. thick, with enormous towers erected in specific spots.

The main structure is of adobe and mud-straw, and partially brick in some districts. In the process of excavations, numerous distinctive and valuable objects were explored, often belonging to the Achaemenes and their ancestors. Among them are a golden tablet, the oldest historic work discovered up to now. With dimensions of 8 by 12 cm depicting 10 lines in ancient Parsi script and cunieform , it is now kept in the Berlin Museum in Germany.

Anothertablet belongs to Ariarman, the grandchild of Hakhamanesh, the founder of the dynasty.  A variety of other golden tablets were excavated which are now on display in great museums around the world.

The silver ewer of Khashayar Shah (Xerxes), which used to be kept abroad, is currently transferred to Iran’s Bastan Museum.  The silver plate of Ardeshir I is now exhibited to the public in  the Metropolitan Museum, New York. The golden tablet of Dariush II is kept in the Bastan Museum.

The remains of a stone column of Ardeshir II are held in England.

And the story goes on!

According to history researchers and archeologists, Hegmataneh is a major historic site in the country. Travelers moving along the Ghazvin-Tehran road are fascinated at first sight by the glory and marvel of Alvand Mountain and the gorgeous constructions on Hegmataneh Hill.

You ask what Hegmateneh means? It is a gathering place and it is also termed as Ekbatan and Amdaneh.

Those interested in history and art will find the place really inspiring and splendid.

So pack up on your next vacation to head off to the majestic territory and experience a day in the class of Iran’s history and culture. Bon Voyage!