In Search of ḪArḫar (The Neo-Assyrian Kar-Šarrukin) in the Central Zargos Mountains, Western Iran: A New Proposal

Abstract

From the reign of Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC) until Ashurbanipal (668-627) numerous locations and fortresses in western Iran are mentioned in the Assyrian sources. According to these inscriptions the major fortress was Ḫarḫar, located alongside the Great Khorasan Road. After the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (744-727) significant political changes occurred in the central western Zagros, and in the reign of Sargon II (726-705) Ḫarḫar was turned into an Assyrian province with the aim of operating as an outpost for monitoring Media. Some researchers believe that Ḫarḫar must be located in the Mahidasht plain in the west of Kermanshah Province, but up until now no definite location has been proposed. Recent studies, however, suggest that in all probability the site of ancient Ḫarḫar is to be identified with the mound of Tapeh Kheibar in the north/north-west Mahidasht (Kouzaran region). The results of field survey and surface collection indicate that in the Iron Age Kheibar was a huge fortress with an area of c. 20 ha, strongly fortified and protected by a deep, broad moat around its outer part. The location, description, and appearance of the site very closely match the depiction of Ḫarḫar in a relief from Room II of the palace of Sargon at Khorsabad showing an Assyrian attack on the city. It is therefore proposed that Tapeh Kheibar is to be identified with the site of ancient Ḫarḫar.