The Seleucid and Arsacid Transformations of Iranian Palatial Architecture

Abstract

Chapter 15 argues that the Seleucids selectively appropriated the Persian palatial traditions to subsume and supersede the Achaemenid legacy. It argues that the Seleucids also used select Achaemenid palaces as anti-monuments, particularly, Susa. The chapter establishes that contours of Seleucid palatial architecture in Iran from the available evidence. It then tracks how the Arsacids engaged the Seleucid palatial tradition before creating new architecture forms with lasting effects on the Iranian. Namely, domed and vaulted architecture.