Project The Mountain Fortresses of Rabana-Merquly in Iraqi Kurdistan

Perimeter fortifications at Rabana-Merquly can be viewed as an extension of the surrounding highland landscape. Walls were constructed to block intruders where gaps in the western escarpment of Mt. Piramagrun at the valley base and along its upper ridges would otherwise allow access. The result was a near continuous barrier c. 4000 m in length, with the difference in height between the lowest and highest fortifications being c. 720 m (1180–1900 meters above sea level).

A defining feature of Rabana-Merquly are matching rock-reliefs that depict an anonymous ruler, carved into the cliff adjacent to the entrances of both settlements. Similarities in attire between these figures and the statue of a king of Adiabene found at Hatra suggest a possible identification for both this individual (Natounissar) and the ancient city (Natounissarokerta on the Kapros). While its precise affiliation is a matter of speculation, Rabana-Merquly would have fallen under the dominion of the Parthian Empire, located close to the south-east frontier of the vassal kingdom of Adiabene.

As a major center positioned at the intersection between highland and lowland zones, Rabana-Merquly would have played a role in regulating interactions with mountain pastoralist groups. Current research complements the results of previous excavations at Merquly in 2009 by the Slemani Antiquities Directorate that explored a citadel built on high ground (Saber et al. 2014). This overlooks several buildings, including seven of standardized rectangular design, each with five rooms of approximately equal size. Based upon parallels with Roman/Sasanian forts these structures most likely functioned as barracks. The defensive function of the fortress probably extended to a garrison at Merquly, well placed to counter threats emanating from the surrounding highlands.

Inside Rabana the focus of occupation was in the north-east, where the wadi running through the center of the valley enters from a narrow gorge extending high up into the mountain. After heavy rain and snowmelt this forms an ephemeral waterfall, the base of which is canalised with monumental stone architecture. Close by, a small (fire?) altar within a sub-rectangular niche is carved into the escarpment. At the top of a large stone staircase leading down towards the ephemeral waterfall is a substantial building that functioned in part as a mausoleum with at least two jar burials. 

The overall impression is of a sanctuary complex, with the prominence of water suggesting a cultic link to the goddess Anahita. Based upon the prominent location of the burials, it is reasonable to assume that the interred persons were of high social status. It is proposed that Rabana is an example of a dynastic cult, associated with the ruling dynasty of Adiabene, who probably first came to prominence during the second century BCE. Rabana-Merquly overlooks the most direct route from Erbil south towards the Sharizor Plain, and it is conceivable that the ‘sanctuary’ could have been a pilgrimage destination along a major thoroughfare crossing the Zagros Mountains.