Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System

Shushtar (Shūshtar) is an ancient town situated on the southwest of Iran, in Khuzestan province. It is recorded that the early signs of human inhabitation in this city date back to 10000 years ago. Occupying a notable geographical position in the vicinity of Karun River, Shushtar was also the summer capital of the Sassanids (224-651). However, this city is mostly famous for its great hydraulic system, dating back to the Achaemenid era, or more specifically to Darius’s time. In the 3rd century B.C, this homogenous hydraulic system was mainly renovated, and expanded by the Sassanids. Interestingly, parts of this construction were built by Roman soldiers who were captured as prisoners by Shapur I after the defeat of Valerian in 260. Based on available historical documents, this complex system was built in three to seven years. The most outstanding function of this hydraulic system was to turn the wheels of the mills built around this system.

In the early Pahlavi era, because of the establishment of the train station, Shushtar lost its central position and Ahvaz became the center of Khuzestan.

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