Ziwiyeh Castle
The castle of Ziwiyeh | |
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Saqqez,Kurdistan Province,Iran | |
![]() The castle of Zewiyeh on a hill at night | |
Coordinates | 36°09′14″N46°24′40″E/ 36.154°N 46.411°E |
Type | Citadel |
Site information | |
Controlled by | Iran |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Partially ruined |
Site history | |
Battles/wars | Siege by theScythians(700 BC) |
The castle of ZiwiyehorZiwiyeh Castle(Persian:قلعه زیویه) is an ancient building situated on the top of a mount above the wide Ziwiyeh Cave inSaqqez,Iran.Ziwiye tepe or castle is located 50 kilometers to Saqqez and the area now have been Somewhat rebuilt by Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization. It is located at an altitude of 1,835 metres (6,020 ft) above sea level inKurdistan province of Iranon the south ofLake Urmia.Artefacts found there belong to the 9th century BC (belonging to theMedesera) and have been kept in some museums. A large goldennecklacewith some mythical animals engraved on it is one of the most famous things found in the area.[1][2][3]
History
[edit]This castle was the residence of theMedesandScythiansand was considered their capital and its history dates back to the first millennium BC. Also before the Medes and Scythians, this castle was the capital of theMannaeanswho were attacked by theAssyrians.
the Structure of the castle
[edit]The building of this castle or fortress was three-story with 21 stone stairs. The foundation of stairs and columns was of the stone and walls were built of adobe. The first story a part of which has been still remained had a religious function and it is estimated to be a temple. Being located in the same level as the hillside made it easily accessible for people. The second floor was built on a stone triangular bench due to the slope and it was residential. Interconnected painted rooms in blue, cream, black and brick colors differentiated it from other parts. The archery and bronze arrow discovered in this floor lead to the possibility of the second floor to be the residence of military force and army ammunition.
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/%D8%AA%D9%BE%D9%87_%D8%B2%DB%8C%D9%88%DB%8C%D9%87.jpg/300px-%D8%AA%D9%BE%D9%87_%D8%B2%DB%8C%D9%88%DB%8C%D9%87.jpg)
The third floor that is also called ruler residence has a barn that means it had been a secure place for the days of war and siege. This floor has wide rooms with large doors and windows and 12 stone capitals and some stone and wooden columns; Andre Godard has spoken about the table and chairs with bronze decorations in this hall. The ground of this building paved with brick or tiles in some parts. there are two north and south gates in this castle and the gate that is placed in side of the mountain peak has beautiful tile decorations. The castle had water piping that was supplied from the springs in the neighboring mountains.[4]
Ziwiye Treasure
[edit]Ziviyeh treasurewas found by archaeologists at the site of Ziwiye Castle at the beginning of the 20th century. This treasure was transferred to the world's major museums.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Saqqez City,Iran tourism, 2020
- ^Zivieh Archaeological Hill (Ziviyeh Castle),Iran Tourism, 2020
- ^Ziwiyeh Ancient Castle,Visit the persia, 2019
- ^Ziwiye,Visit Iran, 2020
- ^Ziwiye treasures,wikimapia