The Elamite civilization

The appearance of Elam as a political and cultural notion is deeply entrenched in the unique lowland/highland physical setting provided by the Iranian provinces of Khuzestan and Fars (fig.1). This setting was responsible for conditioning the material wealth, cultural resiliency, and longevity characterizing Elamite civilization. It also determined the political history of Elam by providing a buffer and retreat zone that allowed for the periodic mustering of Elamite expansionistic ambitions upon neighbouring political entities. Throughout the centuries, however, the notion and identity of Elam underwent noticeable alterations that forced the reformulation of its territorial, political, social, and cultural character.