Biblical city
Susa
Shush, Iran · Elam / Persia
A royal city of the Persian empire, Susa is the setting of Esther and of visions given to Daniel and Nehemiah's service to Artaxerxes. Its excavated palace complex includes the apadana of Darius.
History in Scripture
Susa is the setting of Esther, where Xerxes held court and Haman's plot was overturned. Nehemiah served the king there, and Daniel received a vision in the citadel of Susa (Daniel 8).
The ancient city
A Persian royal capital in Elam, Susa was one of several seats of empire alongside Persepolis and Ecbatana, with an apadana audience hall and an administrative archive.
The site today
Shush in Iran is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the traditional tomb of Daniel with its distinctive conical spire stands beside the ruins.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.