12/30/2024
Rostam’s Throne, an ancient site believed to be around 3,500 years old, is located in Afghanistan’s northern Samangan province. This impressive structure, carved from a 280-foot-wide (85 meters) limestone rock, is rich in local lore and historical importance. While many local tales attribute its creation to the legendary hero Rostam, archaeologists offer an alternative perspective. Yusef Shah Yaqub Ouf, who researched the site in 2013, speculates that it may have originally served as a Zoroastrian shrine, potentially a residence for Zarathustra, the ancient A***n prophet. It is also thought that the site could have been repurposed as a Buddhist temple later on, although its distinct circular shape and intricate carvings set it apart from the usual religious sites found in the area. Rostam’s Throne continues to embody a captivating blend of myth and history, intriguing all who come to explore it.