Unveiling History: Archaeological Excavation Set to Uncover the Secrets of Valerian’s Palace Ruins

Valerian’s Palace, a significant archaeological site located in Bishapur, southern Iran, is set to undergo extensive excavation. This palace, which served as a residence for the captured Roman Emperor during the Sassanid era, holds immense historical importance. Plans are now in motion to explore the ruins of this ancient structure, shedding light on its past and the city of Bishapur.

According to Reza Norouzi, a faculty member at the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, these excavations will provide vital insights into the historical context of the region. Speaking at a specialized archaeology seminar in Kazerun, he emphasized the value of ongoing research in Bishapur, stating that historical sources, particularly Islamic geographical texts, offer crucial information about the city’s climate, urban structure, and accessibility.

The initial archaeological studies in Bishapur can be traced back to the period preceding World War II. French archaeologists conducted research during this time, focusing on partial excavations of the site, mapping, and documentation. Unfortunately, they left behind excavation debris, which has now become a valuable record of their findings. After the war, the French team abandoned the site, leaving numerous artifacts and mosaics behind.

A significant phase of excavation occurred between 1968 and 1978 under the guidance of the late Iranian archaeologist Ali-Akbar Sarafraz. This phase concentrated on Sassanid palaces and structures within the royal citadel, including the Temple of Anahita and the ceremonial hall. A further phase of excavation, led by Mohammad Mehryar from 1995 to 2004, examined Bishapur’s urban layout in greater detail.

Currently, efforts in Bishapur aim to:

• Preserve the archaeological site
• Establish a museum and library
• Create administrative infrastructure
• Construct fencing around the site
• Enhance visitor pathways for better access

Glimpses of the Ruined Palace

The Palace of Valerian, located approximately 150 meters east of Shapur’s Palace, is now a collection of crumbling ruins. Originally built to accommodate the Roman Emperor Valerian after his capture by Shapur I, this structure played a pivotal role in Sassanid history. Following a decisive Persian victory over the Roman legions, Valerian and 70,000 of his soldiers were taken prisoner, and the palace was constructed to keep a close watch on the emperor.

Many of the captives, particularly those knowledgeable in architecture and construction, were relocated to the western part of Iran to assist in various building projects initiated by the Persians. Consequently, numerous palaces, dams, and bridges were constructed using the expertise of these Roman soldiers.

Valerian himself had a background in construction and is believed to have contributed to the design of his palace in Bishapur. The palace, covering an area of over 3,000 square meters, is notable for being the only pre-Islamic structure in Iran constructed entirely of stone. The stones used were uniform in size and shape, comparable to those utilized in the Temple of Anahita. Many of these stones were bonded together with metal clamps, while shallow depressions in the stone bonding were filled with molten lead to enhance the structural stability.

The Ancient City of Bishapur

Bishapur, meaning “The city of Shapur,” served as the grand capital of the Sassanid king Shapur I, who achieved three victories over the Romans. Allegedly, much of the city was constructed by Roman soldiers who were taken captive after Valerian’s defeat around 260 CE.

Located south of modern Faliyan, Bishapur is positioned along the ancient road connecting the Sasanian capitals of Istakhr (near Persepolis) and Firuzabad to Susa and Ctesiphon. The city was strategically built near a river crossing, enhancing its accessibility.

Architectural features in Bishapur exhibit a Roman influence that diverges from traditional Iranian building styles. The city’s layout, characterized by a “Hippodamian Plan,” presents a grid-like structure, contrasting with the typical circular design of Iranian cities. This observation is detailed on Livius.org, a reputable website on ancient history maintained by historian Jona Lendering.

Bishapur remained a significant city until the Arab invasion of Persia and the subsequent rise of Islam in the seventh century. It transformed into a center of Islamic learning, with excavations revealing the presence of a madrassah. Despite still being inhabited in the tenth century, the city began its decline during the seventh century.

In 2018, UNESCO recognized the importance of the Sassanid archaeological landscape in southern Iran, adding it to the World Heritage list. This ensemble, titled “Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region,” includes eight archaeological sites across Firuzabad, Bishapur, and Sarvestan. It highlights the optimized use of the natural topography and reflects the influences of Achaemenid and Parthian cultural traditions, as well as Roman art, which significantly impacted the architecture and artistic styles of the Islamic era.

The Sassanid archaeological landscape exemplifies an efficient system of land use and strategic planning, contributing to the development of the earliest cultural centers of the Sassanid civilization.