Hamedan

One of Iran's oldest cities, located in the Central Zagros Range, Hamadan was once the Median capital Hagmatana, and was also known in its Greek form Ecbatana. As an important Achaemenian capital Hamadan was graced with great palaces and temples the remains of which now lie beneath the modern town. Excavations now being carried at the Hagmatana hills reveal remains of Median and Achaemenian administrative buildings on an extensive level.

There is also a museum at the site displaying artifacts found at this and other sites in the region. Ganj-Nameh (Treasure Book), the area's oldest Achaemenian rock carving is located on the slopes of Mount Alvand. Engraved on two stone panels, the inscriptions in old Persian record the achievements of Darius the Great and Xerxes I.