Susa, Palace of Artaxerxes II Mnemon
Susa (Elamitic, Babylonian: Šušim; Greek τὰ Σοῦσα): capital of Elam, favorite residence of the Persian king Darius I the Great.
In 1970, a farmer from Susa ploughing a field west of the river Shaour discovered the bases of several ancient Achaemenid columns. From an inscription, which became known as A2Sd, it is clear that the columns belonged to a palace built by king Artaxerxes II Mnemon (r.404-358). There was a paradise (i.e., a garden) next to it.
By the grace of Ahuramazda, I built this palace, which I have built in my lifetime as a pleasant retreat [paradise]. May Ahuramazda, Anahita, and Mithra protect me and my building against evil.
The roof of the hall rested on sixty-four wooden columns, which were painted blue. The walls were covered with red and blue plaster. The site appears to have remained in use until the Early Islamic period.
 Susa, Inscription A2Sd |
 Susa, Inscription A2Sd |
 A2Sd (drawing) |