Section 1.1: The Rabana-Merquly Archaeological Complex

The Rabana-Merquly site is a cluster of archaeological areas located in the Sulaymaniyah region of Iraqi Kurdistan, nestled within the Zagros Mountains, specifically on the slopes of Piramagrun. Historical excavations have revealed at least two settlements and intricate reliefs from the Parthian Empire, which thrived under the Arsacid dynasty from approximately 247/238 BCE to 226 CE.

Section 1.2: Insights from Excavations

Archaeologists conducted extensive excavations between 2019 and 2022, concentrating on the Rabana settlement. Their research unveiled evidence suggesting the presence of a sanctuary or temple. After thorough analysis of the artifacts found, the researchers proposed that the structure was likely dedicated to the water goddess Anahita.

“Rabana settlement was partially a ‘sanctuary’ dedicated to the ancient Persian goddess Anahita. Our hypothesis is based on the identification of extensive architectural enhancements around a seasonal waterfall (which occurs following significant rain), possibly marking the location of an altar,” state Michael Brown and Rebin Rashid, authors of the study published in the journal “Iraq.”

Scientists believe that this altar was used for sacrificial offerings involving fire, indicating a blend of fire and water that signified the sacredness of the site.

Who Was Anahita?

Anahita, whose name translates to "Moist, Immaculate, and Invincible," was a revered goddess in ancient Persian culture, symbolizing sweet water, fertility, and social harmony. She was also referred to as Nana or Nurse and was derived from a mythical river. Often depicted as the celestial origin of Earth's waters, she could manifest as a stream or waterfall. Anahita's worship spread across regions from Armenia to Sogdiana, with her first temple constructed by the Achaemenid ruler Artaxerxes II.

Additionally, researchers propose that the Rabana site may have functioned as a mausoleum, supported by the discovery of two graves near the supposed temple, unearthed as early as 2022.

Section 2.1: The Parthian Connection

“The carbon-14 dating of the remains reveals habitation from the second to the first century BCE. The relief at the entrance to Rabana-Merquly suggests a link to the ruling Adiabene dynasty,” the study's authors assert. Prof. Brown notes that the carved figure at the entrance likely represents an unidentified ruler, possibly a vassal king of the Parthian Empire.

Prof. Brown elaborates that the Adiabene dynasty governed a region that was influenced by the Parthians, encompassing areas between the Great and Little Zab rivers, with Arbela as its main city. Historical records indicate that a ruler of this dynasty, named Izates, converted to Judaism in the 1st century CE. The region fell under Roman control in 116 CE, becoming the province of Assyria, with autonomy restored only later under Hadrian.

The temple in Rabana might have predated the Adiabene dynasty, originally linked to different beliefs, but was later appropriated by them, adopting Parthian religious elements.

“Many religious artifacts served dual purposes, honoring both the deities and the ruling lineage,” the archaeologist explains.

Even though the evidence does not definitively link the site to Anahita, it still offers a compelling glimpse into the religious and geopolitical dynamics of the Parthian period,” Prof. Brown concludes.

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