Ghaleh Dokhtar castle ruins, Iran, built by Ardashir I in 209AD, before he was finally able to defeat the Parthian empire.

Ghal'eh Dokhtar Castle, is a castle made by Ardeshir I, in present day Fars, Iran, in 209 AD. It is located on a mountain slope near the Firouzabad-Shiraz road. Despite damages sustained by the castle, its majesty still produces awe in visitors. Ardashir I (Artaxerxes, Artaxares, Artashastra) was the founder of the Sassanian Empire of Persia and king from around 226 until around 240. ... External links Official website of Fars Governorship Categories: Iran geography stubs | Provinces of Iran ...

This structure was built by Ardashir I as a defense fortification, early on during his campaign to defeat the weakening Parthians. After capturing Isfahan and Kerman from the Parthians, he (re)built the city of Gur nearby the castle in Firouzabad, making it his capital. After defeating Ardavan V (Artabanus V ), the Parthian king, in a great battle in 224 AD, he built the Palace of Ardashir nearby the Ghal'eh Dokhtar castle, to facilitate the reception of guests, and to elevate his image as the new emperor of the Sassanide dynasty. Ardashir I (Artaxerxes, Artaxares, Artashastra) was the founder of the Sassanian Empire of Persia and king from around 226 until around 240. ... Reproduction of a Parthian warrior as depicted on Trajans Column The Parthian Empire was the dominating force on the Iranian plateau beginning in the late 3rd century BCE, and intermittently controlled Mesopotamia between ca 190 BCE and 224 CE. Origins Bust of Parthian soldier, Esgh-abad Museum, Turkmenia. ... Isfahan or Esfahan can refer to either a city or a province in Iran: Isfahan (city) Isfahan (province) Isfahan (rugs) Ispahan a kind of rose and an older pronounciation of the citys name. ... External links Iran Chamber Societys page on Kerman Tourist information on Kerman Photos of historic sites in Kerman Categories: Iran geography stubs | Cities in Iran ... Map of Iran and surrounding countries, showing location of Firouzabad. ...

The 1800-year-old castle today has lost some four meters of its original height over the last century and experts warn if urgent measures are not taken to restore it, the castle may soon be gone forever.

Ghaleh Dokhtar rendering, based on remains.