The findings of the research conducted by the experts was published in the journal Antiquity. The team of archaeologists captured aerial images to map the area and stated that it bears similarities to Helm’s Deep from ‘The Lord of the Rings’.
After several expeditions in the ancient fortress of Rabana-Merquly (Iraq), archaeologists believe they have found the lost city of Natouniawhich was only known through a few coins.
The research, published in the antique magazineexplained that the fortress was part of the Empire Part -known as the Arsacid Empire- which was located in the territory of Iran and Mesopotamia two thousand years ago.
The Parthians, about whom surprisingly little is known, were staunch enemies of the Roman Empire and fought various battles against them for more than 250 years.
Now, new research on this fortress suggests that it served as one of the regional centers of the empire.
Cartography of the lost city of Natounia
According to the study, carried out by a team of archaeologists led by the Dr. Michael Browna researcher at the Institute for Prehistory, Protohistory and Near Eastern Archeology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, excavations and aerial mapping using drones have shed more light on the ancient fortress.
High in the foothills of Mount Piramagrun in the Zagros Mountains, the team revealed that the site not only consists of a 4-kilometre-long fortification wall, but also two smaller settlements adorned with what may have been barracks. , impressive reliefs in the rock and a religious complex.
The temples, they believe, were possibly dedicated to the Iranian Zoroastrian goddess Anahita. Also, according to the researchers, the matching reliefs represent a king of Adiabene, a kingdom that was part of the Parthian Empire.
The first clues in ancient coins
Prior to this find, the only known representations of Natounia (also known as Natounissarokerta) in existence, have been documented on few coins dating back to the 1st century BC, according to a communiqué from the University of Heidelberg.
Thus, given the apparent grandeur and complexity of the settlement, researchers now suspect that this magnificent site may be the lost city of Natounia, which was dedicated to Natounissar, the founder of the royal dynasty of Adiabene, an ancient kingdom in northern Mesopotamia.
“The most specific association with the city of Natounia comes from the inscription on rare Natounia coins found elsewhere, which places it ‘on the Kapros,’ which is the modern Lower Zab River,” said Brown. For this reason, the city was sometimes called Natounia on the Kapros.
The researchers insist their claims are just speculation for now, but believe there are some indications that Rabana-Merquly may be the long-lost city of Natounia.
First, there is the dating of the city. Inscriptions on the coins suggest that they may have been minted during the first half of the 1st century BC, which is about the same time that the remains of this settlement are dated.
The study’s authors also argue that the place name Natounissarokerta, in addition to being made up of the actual name Natounissar, contains the Parthian word for moat or fortification.
“This description could apply to Rabana-Merquly,” explained Dr. Brown.
In addition, two rock carvings located at the entrances to Rabana-Merquly depict a life-size ruler wearing a ceremonial headdress, possibly representing Natounissar or a direct descendant.
A reflection of the “Lord of the Rings”
“Rabana-Merquly is by far the largest and most impressive Parthian-era site in the region, and the only one with actual iconography, making it by far the best candidate [para ser Natounia]”, dijo Brown a Live Science.
“Its fortifications enclose naturally defensible terrain and can be seen as an extension of the surrounding highland landscape. If you are familiar with The Lord of the rings it’s basically a real-life Helm’s Deep,” he added.