Greek style architecture Found in ancient Iranian City
26 Jun 2008, 1313 Hrs

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Tehran, June 26 (ANI): Archaeologists have used geological surveys in the south of Iran to reveal rectangular formations inspired by Greek architecture dating to the Sassanid era.

According to a report by CHN (Cultural Heritage News Agency), archeologists have said that the structures, located in Fars Province, are part of the urban planning of the ancient Achaemenid city of Istakhr during the Sassanid period (226-651 CE).

Istakhr was once the capital of the Sassanid Empire but today only the archaeological sites of the city remain.

"The design is loaned from Hippodamus style of urban planning during a series of armed conflicts with Persians great rival to the west, the Roman Empire," said Ali Asadi, archeologist and expert on the archeology of Istakhr.

Hippodamus (498 BC - 408 BC) was an ancient Greek architect and urban planner famous for his designs of repeated square geometric shapes.

The wars during the first two Sassanid kings, Ardashir I (206-241 CE) and Shapur I (241-272 CE), brought Roman slaves to the country.

"The Greek architecture penetrated Iran through the work of the slaves," said Asadi. (ANI)