Below is the third in a series of articles from Mark McLaughlin showcasing the 16 civilizations in Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East. You can find the first two articles here.

I am Shutruk Nahunte, King of Susa, Sovereign of the land of Elam. By command of Inshushinak, I destroyed Sippar, Took the Stele of Niran-Sin,  and brought it back to Elam, where I erected it as an offering to my god.

tablet of King Šutruk-Nahunte, of Elam, 1158 BC

The Elamites originated on the Persian plateau, in what is now southeastern Iran, sometime around 2700 BC. After centuries of conflict the Elamites finally emerged victorious in their wars with Sumer, whose civilization they brought to an end about 2000 BC. The Elamites then fought a long – and losing – series of wars with Babylon, and, like their Babylonian foes, succumbed to the Medes and Persians. The Elamites, however, proved their worth to the new empire, with their principal city of Susa becoming the third of the four Persian royal cities.

In the game, the martial prowess – and staying power – of the Elamites is represented  by the bonus white disk during Competition. They also gain a Victory Point if they have more Cities than any other civilization, as they were prolific city builders.

To find out more about Elam check out:  http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/elam-i

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