Nisa - Definition and Overview

Nisa (also Parthaunisa) was an ancient city, located near modern-day Bagir village, 18 km southwest of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Nisa is described by some as one of the first capitals of the Parthians. It was traditionally founded by Arsaces I (reigned c. 250 BC-c. 211 BC), and was reputedly the royal necropolis of the Parthian kings, although it has neither been established that the fortress at Nisa was a royal residence nor a mausoleum.

Excavations at Nisa have revealed substantial buildings, Mithraic mausoleums and shrines, many inscribed documents, and a looted treasury. Many Hellenistic art works have been uncovered, as well as a large number of ivory rhytons, the outer rims decorated with Iranian subjects or classical mythological scenes.

Nisa was later renamed Mithradatkirt ("fortress of Mithradates") by Mithradates I (reigned 171 BC-138 BC).

Nisa was totally destroyed by an earthquake, which occurred during the first decade BC.

See also

• History of Turkmenistan

External links

• Archaeological Missions in Nisa (http://www.parthia.com/nisa.htm)
• Nisa fortress (http://www.ayan-travel.com/tm_rg_ahal_nf.html) - also [1] (http://www.tourism-sport.gov.tm/en/guide/his_art/his_nisa.html)
• Archeology and mythology (http://www.swedish-russian.com/sample2.html)