ANSHAN IN THE ELAMITE AND ACHAEMENIAN PERIODS

For over 1500 years the land of Anshan occupied a prominent place in the political history of south-western Iran. It would appear that the Kings of Awan of the old Elamite period became the Kings of Anshan and Susa of later dynasties. After the fall of Awan a new Elamite dynasty rose in the district of Simashki which is probably to be located in the region of modern Isfahan. During the last half of the 14th century BC an apparently independent Elamite dynasty reappears suddenly on the historical scene. The reign of Hutelutush-Inshushinak ended with a devastating invasion of Elamite territories by Nebuchadrezzer I of Babylon. The Achaemenians were governing in Anshan/Parsuwash at least a generation before Ashurbanipal commenced his decisive invasion of Elam. Although Achaemenes is usually recognized as eponymous founder of the Achaemenian royal house, it is his son Teispes who is first called 'Great King.