Ancient Cult Site Unearthed by Archaeologists May Have Been Devoted to Persian Water Goddess
Archaeologists say they have located an ancient fortification that was once a possible cult site devoted to a Persian water goddess.
The Debrief 2:14 pm on April 11, 2024
Archaeologists unearthed a cult site in modern Iraqi Kurdistan that may have been devoted to the Persian water goddess Anahit during the Parthian Empire. The site, Rabana-Merquly, served as both a worship site and fortress. Evidence includes a stone relief depicting a Parthian king, descending stairways, a natural waterfall, and an altar-like sculpture. The association with ritual practices was established in 2022 with burial vessels dating back to the second century BCE. Dr. Michael Brown believes the shrine preceded the fortress and may have existed long before the Parthian era.
- Archaeologists discovered a cult site in Iraqi Kurdistan, Rabana-Merquly, that may have been dedicated to the Persian water goddess Anahit during the Parthian Empire.
- The site served as both a worship site and fortress and includes a stone relief depicting a Parthian king, descending stairways, a natural waterfall, and an altar-like sculpture.
- Excavations revealed burial vessels dating back to the second century BCE, suggesting the existence of a shrine during that time.
- Dr. Michael Brown believes the shrine may have existed before the Parthian era and that it likely preceded the fortress.
- The discovery provides insight into the regional sacral and geopolitical interconnections during the Parthian era.
https://thedebrief.org/ancient-cult-site-unearthed-by-archaeologists-may-have-been-devoted-to-persian-water-goddess/