Analysis of the Status of Harsin in Sassanid Era

Located on the Silk Road, Harsin, one of the cities in Kermanshah province, has always been inhabited and held historical monuments since Paleolithic to the late Qajar era. This study tries to examine the position of Harsin in the Sassanid era, based on architectural and archaeological findings. The method of the study is descriptive-analytical, along with field study. The research question deals with the explanation of the formation of archaeological data and the function of architectural structures in Harsin. Hypotheses indicate that the Silk Road and suitable environmental conditions played important roles in the formation of structures with religious and non-religious functions. Results show that the city was a summer resort during the Sassanid era. The location of Harsin on the Silk Road and its nearness to Qasr-e Shirin, Ctesiphon (Tisfun) (the capital of Sassanians), and Bisotun has enhanced its significance.