تمدن عیلام — کهنترین فرهنگ شهری ایران (۳۲۰۰–۵۳۹ پیش از میلاد)
The Elamite civilization, centered in modern-day Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran, was one of the world's first urban civilizations, contemporary with and rivaling ancient Mesopotamia. Proto-Elamite writing (c. 3200 BC) is among the earliest writing systems on earth, though it remains only partially deciphered.
Susa (Shush), the Elamite capital, was one of the ancient world's greatest cities. Archaeological excavations at Susa have revealed continuous occupation from 4000 BC through the Islamic period — a 6,000-year urban legacy. The famous Code of Hammurabi stele was found at Susa, brought there by an Elamite king.
The Elamites were eventually absorbed into the Achaemenid Empire after Cyrus the Great conquered Susa. Their language, art, and administrative traditions significantly influenced Achaemenid Persia — Elamite was one of the three official languages of the empire. The Elamite contribution is the foundation layer of Iranian civilization.
The Proto-Elamite period begins around 3200 BC, making it one of the world's oldest known civilizations, contemporary with early Mesopotamia. The Elamite civilization lasted until the Achaemenid conquest in 539 BC.
Susa (Shush) was the Elamite capital and one of the ancient world's greatest cities. The Code of Hammurabi stele was found there. It became an Achaemenid royal capital and is continuously occupied to this day.