Carmania (satrapy)

Carmania (Ancient Greek: Καρμανία, from Old Persian of same) was a satrapy (province) of the Achaemenid Empire as well as, later on, the Sassanid Empire. The region is approximately equal to that of modern day Kermān Province in Iran. Little is known about the exact boundaries of ancient Carmania, which may have fluctuated. It is not mentioned as a separate province in translated royal Achaemenid inscriptions (it may have been part of Persis at one time) although it is mentioned by Arrian.

At the time of Alexander's invasion it was a satrapy on the Persian Gulf coast west of Hormoz; it was bounded on the east by Gedrosia. Some authors, such as Ptolemy called the northern deserts, which stretched as far as Parthia and Aria, “desert Carmania”, apparently to be distinguished from Carmania proper, which was a cultivated and fertile region, know for its teak wood .

Alexander erected a pillar/s on the Carmainian coast, possibly marking the edge of his empire, and established a city at a currently unknown site, probably in the area of Gav Koshi or Gulishkird. Marco Polo later visited this town.

References

• Encyclopaedia Iranica

Provinces of the Sasanian Empire Abarshahr Adiabene Albania Arbayistan Aria Armenia Asoristan Atropatene Balasagan Carmania Dihistan Egypt* Eran-Khwarrah-Yazdegerd* Hyrcania Iberia India Khuzestan Kushanshahr Khwarezm Lazica Machelonia Maishan Margiana Mazun Media Makuran Paratan Parthia Patishkhwagar Pars Sakastan Sogdia Spahan Turan * indicates short living provinces

Map

Carmania (satrapy)

Mercator Map (1578) - Asiae-Tabula IX