Great Wall of Gorgan, Ancient defensive fortification in Golestan Province, Iran
The Great Wall of Gorgan is an ancient fortification line in Golestan Province in northern Iran, running from the Caspian Sea to the Bilyi Kuh mountains. Along its route stand several fortress sites that served as military outposts and were connected by wall segments built from red brick.
Persian engineers built this fortification during Sasanian rule in the 5th century to protect the empire against mounted tribes from the northern steppes. Later rulers continued to use parts of the structure until changes in warfare and political geography reduced its importance.
The name derives from the nearby city of Gorgan and points to the centuries-old importance of this region as a border zone between settled communities and open steppe lands. Visitors notice the reddish color of the bricks, which were fired from local clay and give the structure a warm appearance.
The wall can be reached at several points via roads leading from Gorgan city into the surrounding plains, with spring and autumn offering more comfortable temperatures. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring enough drinking water when exploring remote sections.
A sophisticated irrigation system once supplied fresh water to garrisons along the entire wall by running channels parallel to the defense line. The structure ranks among the longest ancient defenses after the Chinese and Roman fortification lines and demonstrates the technical skill of Persian builders.
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