Summary

The site of Qalatga Darband offers a unique insight into the presence of the Parthian Empire along a stretch of the Lower Zab in the western Zagros Mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. The site commands the Darband-i Rania, a strategic pass controlling a key artery of communication by both river and road linking Mesopotamia with Iran. Explorations of the site through surface survey, excavation, and remote sensing have begun to yield the layout of the city, as well as investigate some of its most prominent features such as the city wall, a square fort, and a fortified manor house. The site is notable for the many manifestations of Greek influence, including Corinthian architecture, terracotta roof tiling, Hellenistic sculpture, and facilities for producing olive oil. Destruction horizons in the fortified manor are tentatively identified as relating to the campaigns of Lucullus through Armenia 68–67 bce and of Mark Anthony through Media Atropatene in 36 bce.