Review Hellenistic Studies in Iran

The Hellenistic period can be considered a Dark Age in Iran. The historical and archaeological knowledge of the Seleucid period in Iran is scant. The primary aim of this research is survey and review Hellenistic settlement in different regions of Iran. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method and data is collected through library research. The results show Seleucid reign, in the western part of Iran, stands out for nearly a century and they built several cities in Iran such as Alexandropolis in Parth, Epiphany, Europus, Laodicea, and Apamee, however, the remains of these cities are obscure in Iran. In Iran, New cities were founded in the remoter areas of Media. A settlement of Antigonus’ soldiers in Media founded the four cities in eastern Media bearing Greco-Macedonian names- Laodicia, Apameia, Heraclea, and Europus. The existence of Greco-Macedonian colonies in Media structured exactly like other Hellenistic poleis, is attested by the important Greek inscription from Nihavand, ancient Laodicea. A second and third, fragmentary versions of the same text were found in Kermanshah.