The Palace of Ctesiphon, or the Arch of Kasra, is one of the most amazing surviving buildings from the Sasanian era, located near modern-day Baghdad, in an area called Mada'in. What attracts attention most about this palace is its great arch; a huge, semicircular arch with a height of about 37 meters, which is considered one of the largest brick arches in the ancient world. This structure was built without any metal or concrete framework, and was built only with bricks and precise Iranian engineering skills. The splendor of this arch is a symbol of the power of Sasanian architecture and the glory of Iranian civilization before the invasion of Iran by the Persians.
The Palace of Ctesiphon was not only the residence of the Sasanian kings, but also had a ceremonial function; a place where ambassadors, commanders, and nobles would attend. The carved brick facade and vertical columns on both sides of the entrance gate double the magnificence and solidity of the palace. As the winter capital of the Sasanian emperors, Ctesiphon was the political and administrative heart of the Iranian empire in late antiquity. The palace remained an inspiration for Islamic and European architects for centuries after the fall of the Sasanians. Today, despite much destruction, this ancient monument still stands as a symbol of the great Iranian heritage in the heart of Mesopotamia.
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