Ctesiphon (/ˈtɛsᵻfɒn/ TESIFON ) was an ancient city located about 35 kilometers south-east of present day Baghdad. It became the capital of Persia during the Parthian empire, in about 58 BC, and remained the capital of the Sasanian (sasaynian)Empire until the Muslim conquest of Persia in 651 AD.
Ctesiphon developed into a rich commercial metropolis, merging with the surrounding cities along both shores of the river, including the Hellenistic city of Seleucia.(seelusha)
In the late sixth and early seventh century, it was one of the largest cities in the world.
However, today very little remains of Ctesiphon…..

The most conspicuous structure remaining today is the great archway of Ctesiphon….
The largest unsupported brick arch in the world
The archway of Ctesiphon was once a part of the royal palace in Ctesiphon and is estimated to date between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD.
All that remains is a portion of the great hall and the facade of the Palace…..
The roof of the arch is, 82 feet in span,,,,It is still one of the worlds finest example of barrel-vaulting…
It is located in what is now the Iraqi town of Salman Pak.

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