Susa was the capital of the ancient Elamite kingdom.
Located in southwestern Iran, Susa was one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited urban sites. It served as a major center of Elamite civilization for many centuries before being incorporated into the Achaemenid Empire.
The city retained its importance under Persian rule. Darius I built a major palace complex at Susa, and the city became one of the Achaemenid royal residences alongside Persepolis, Pasargadae, and Ecbatana.
Susa is sometimes confused with Persepolis because both contained monumental Persian palaces. Their roles differed: Susa was an older Elamite center and an imperial administrative and royal capital, while Persepolis was founded by the Achaemenids as a ceremonial royal complex.