ARBELA Meaning and
Definition
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Arbela, also known as Arbela of Atropatene, was an ancient city located in Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq, near the modern town of Erbil. The city held significant historical and strategic importance throughout various empires and civilizations.
In antiquity, Arbela was renowned as the capital city of Adiabene, a kingdom located in the northeastern region of Mesopotamia. With its central location, the city served as a crucial trade and cultural hub connecting the trade routes between the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean.
Arbela gained immense prominence during the Battle of Arbela in 331 BCE, often referred to as the Battle of Gaugamela. It was in this pivotal battle that Alexander the Great famously defeated the Persian king Darius III, solidifying his conquest of the Persian Empire. The outcome of the battle had significant geopolitical consequences, leading to the establishment of Hellenistic cultural and administrative influence in the region.
Throughout its existence, Arbela bore witness to the rise and fall of various empires, including the Seleucids, Parthians, and Sassanids. The city's strategic value continued to attract attention, as it positioned itself as a crossroad for trade and military operations.
Despite its historical significance, much of Arbela's ancient remains have been lost due to urban development and conflict in the region. However, archaeological efforts have revealed remnants of ancient structures and artifacts, shedding light on the city's rich past and providing valuable insight into the ancient history of Mesopotamia.
Etymology of ARBELA
The word "Arbela" is derived from the ancient Greek term "Arbēla" (Αρβηλα), which in turn is speculated to have roots in the Old Persian language. Arbela is the Greek transliteration of the Assyrian city name "Arbaili", meaning "sacred city". It is believed that the Assyrians gave this name to the city due to its religious significance. The name "Arbāʾil" has also been suggested as its Assyrian counterpart. Nowadays, Arbela is usually associated with the historical city of Arbela in modern-day Iraq, which was the site of major battles in ancient times.
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