Iran & Central AsiaAsia
Elam
Elam was an ancient civilisation in south-western Iran, centred on Susa and Anshan, and a long-time rival of the Mesopotamian states. Its Middle Elamite kings briefly dominated Babylonia in the 12th century BCE. Elam was absorbed by the Achaemenid Persians in the 6th century BCE.
Key facts
| Dates | c. 3200 – c. 539 BCE |
|---|---|
| Region | Iran & Central Asia |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capitals | Susa, Anshan |
| Religion(s) | Elamite religion |
| Peak extent | ≈ 0.2 million km² (c. 1160 BCE) – source |
Note on dates: Area figure refers to the Middle Elamite peak (c. 1160 BCE).
Before & after
Followed by
Sources
Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.