Abiverd, also known as Abiward or Abi-ward, was an important ancient Sassanian city in the Ahal velayat (province) of modern-day Turkmenistan. The ruins of the city are located between the railway stations of Artyk and KaahkaArchaeological excavations here began in the 20th century. The site occupies a space of 12 000 m². The central tell is about 18 m high and 213 m round. Now it is a historical and cultural monument of Abiverd-Peshdag.
Abiverd was located in the northern part of the medieval region called “Great Khorasan”. It served as a border city and was part of a border chain of cities created by the rulers of ancient Iran to prevent raids by barbarians from Inner Asia. Near Abiverd was the Bandian Fire Temple. Part of the territory of modern Ahal velayat, where the cities of Nisa and Serakhs were also located, was called Etek.
According to Al Makdisi Abiverd was richer and more fertile than Parthian Nissa. It’s shakh-ristan was surrounded by the perimeter by the walls with rounded towers and the moat. A straight street connected the only town gates with the gates of the citadel. A monumental portal-and-dome mosque stood almost in the center 12th c. Main handicraft manufactures and bazaars were placed in a broad rabat.
