Ctesiphon
Country: Iraq
Region: Middle East
Period: 226-637CE
Location: 33.093611°N, 44.580556°E
Description
Ctesiphon, located on the Tigris River near modern-day Baghdad, was a grand metropolis and royal capital of the Parthian Empire. Renowned for its size, wealth, and cultural fusion, it served as a major political, commercial, and architectural center linking East and West along the Silk Road.
Modern Remains
Today, the most iconic remnant of Ctesiphon is the Taq Kasra, a massive brick archway and the largest of its kind. Though much of the ancient city lies in ruins, the site remains a powerful symbol of Persian imperial legacy and architectural achievement, drawing archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike.