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Hamadan, founded in 8th
century BC, was called "Hagmatana" by Medes and
"Ecbatana" by Greeks, who had heard of its
fabulous treasures. It was probably inhabited by 1500 BC,
but first prominent is in 6th century BC. "Hagmatana"
meant "place of assembly" and served as summer
capital for later Achaemenian emperors quartet in the
searing plains of Khuzistan and in Fars.
The city was reputed to have enjoyed seven concentric
fortification walls, the innermost plated with gold and
silver. Gold and silver are also thought to have featured
as outer rooftops for the city's richer houses.
Hamadan is at the foot of 12000-foot Alvand Mountain and
is one of the highest cities in Iran and in the world. It
contrasts pleasant summers with fierce winters.
Its cool summers attracted many rulers, including Cyrus
the Great (founder of Persian Empire) who had to
defeat his grandfather "Astyages", in 550
BC, to take possession of the city.
Of the pre-Moslem city itself little is visible, though
mostly because present-day Hamadan has effectively, and
perhaps forever , covered it. Excavations have so far been
confined to the fringes of the city of Hamadanian, who
include a small but continuous community of Jews.
Small part of ancient Jewish people's history is indeed
tied in with Hamadan's 500 BC and perhaps earlier. There
are at least 2 Jewish monuments:
One to a local ruler, Hayaqeq, on the other side of Alvand
Mountain;
the other known "Tomb of Ester" in Hamadan
itself.
Ester and her uncle Mordekhai came to Hamadan is search of
refuge for the Jews, and remained to create community that
still exists today.
Hamadan once again drew world attention in 11th century,
thanks to the singular greatness of one of its residence
"Abu Ali Sina" (Avicenna). Philosopher,
mathematician and scientist, Abu Ali Sina was perhaps the
first "Universal Man". His treatise on medicine
was studied in Europe up to 16th century, and his works
are still the subject of school curricula. His
accomplishments are now honored with massive tomb and
museum in Hamadan.
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