One of the oldest civilizations in the world, Elam (centered on Susa in southwestern Iran) rivaled and repeatedly clashed with Sumer and Babylon over three millennia before being absorbed by the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
Ended as an independent state in 639 BCE when Assyrian king Ashurbanipal launched a final devastating campaign, sacking and scattering salt over the capital Susa and deporting its population; Elam's territory was later absorbed into the Achaemenid Empire c. 550 BCE.
The atlas holds 2 border frames for Elam — the shape you scrub through changes in 3200 BC · 2250 BC.
Discusses Elam's recurring role as rival and counterweight to Mesopotamian powers.
Covers Elam and Susa alongside Sumer and Babylon across three millennia, up to the Achaemenid absorption that ended Elamite independence.