Susa: The Magnificent Ancient Persian City I'll Never Get to Visit

Susa is my new favorite ancient city. I'm sad about all of her history that's been swallowed by the sand, but I'm also grateful for what's left.
Thanks to everyone who makes this channel happen at patreon.com/tmbh

[@danielc.4989]

This is quitter talk, Matt. Build a time machine.

[@Pandaemoni]

Or at least solve whatever trouble there is in Iran preventing your passport from working there. Just dedicate a weekend and get it done.

[@theproceedings4050]

​@@PandaemoniThe problem is being American lol, he doesn't want to get kidnapped and ransomed by the Iranian government.

[@Pandaemoni]

@@theproceedings4050 Well, when you put it that way, fixing that sounds a lot harder than inventing time travel. So, I guess give it two full weekends to fix that geopolitical turmoil. That will allow for more travel time, if any is needed.

[@FingerTightRacing8]

He already used up his 3 time traveling chips from ndq, too bad

[@Crazychickenlady448]

@@Pandaemoni Maybe, if he needs it, two weekends and a Wednesday evening. That should do it!

[@pfc4156]

I think biblical geography and history should be taught much more,it brings the old testament to life and makes it more understanding. Does anyone know of any good books regarding this?Great video by the way!!

[@GrammyGottaGo]

You do make history/anthropology sound way more interesting than it actually it Matt and that’s one reason I like you.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Lol, I'll take it! Thanks!

[@tessaafshar8721]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you! As a Persian American lover of the Bible (and one who is writing a novel set in Shushan) I found your presentation enlightening.

[@shutruk-nahunte3309]

Scum this is khuzestans history susa was never a persian city and now lurs have oqupied it

[@she3479]

I've read your books🎉

[@chai__tea]

Your enthusiasm is contagious. I've never seen anyone so excited about Susa! Now I want to learn everything about it and hope you are starting a Susa series! 👏👏👏

[@violetta47]

Wonderful city..I lived near to Susa..

[@marthaj67]

I am currently reading the Book of Esther. So, this is a very timely video, thanks. Interestingly, my husband and I sent in our samples for DNA testing several years ago and I found out that I have Persian ancestry. You could've knocked me over with a feather! 😯 I had no idea I had an ancestor(s) from that part of the world, however distantly related we may be. I have no doubt that Susa was a beautiful, though quite decadent, place.

[@cupfulofeathers]

Always love your history lessons, Matt! My husband and I have remarked a few times that we wish we could have been in your history classes when you were a professor!

[@jessekessler189]

Better yet, use your time travel tokens to go to the same places, and Matt will be your tour guide!

[@78LedHead]

Stunningly mysterious and gorgeous area. Slightly off topic, but Anthony Bourdain went to Tehran in one of the Parts Unknown episodes, and it was some of the best TV I've ever seen. Go check it out. The Persian people are so kind and wonderful. Excellent people. Many of them act more Christian than a lot of Christians. It's awful how their gov. treats them. It's so sad that we can't go there. Maybe one day, if anything comes from these Abrahamic Accords.

[@andyjones7121]

I always get excited to see a new video from the coolest guy on KZbin! Also, I need to have another child because I dropped the ball and didn't name either one of my kids "Xerxes".

[@Crazychickenlady448]

Fur babies, perhaps?

[@jamesajiduah2001]

Why not Ahasuerus?

[@marthaj67]

I used to kind of dread reading through Old Testament geneologies because of ALL THOSE NAMES. But _now_ I actually enjoy trying to sound them out. How about Bakbukiah or Elioenai? 😂

[@andyjones7121]

Elon Musk should name a kid Xerxes. Keep that "X" theme going, ya know?

[@vivimhy]

oh my god, i was born and raised in susa and like i KNEW its ancient but didn't know how much history im sitting on right now and you can totally visit! yes the government might act bitter against americans but there's no law banning it, I'd be so happy to show you around if you decide to visit someday♡

[@zudduz]

You pulled out all the stops for this video and it shows. Great video.

[@joshuaburkholder203]

US citizens are totally allowed to visit Iran 🇮🇷. It’s a common misconception that people make about the country. I would love to go with you. Although our governments are at odds the people are very warm and friendly.

[@RogerRabbit342]

This man is the most genuine person I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening too and watching. We need more people like you my dude. Big love from Estonia

[@stephennaylor4457]

The few ancient places I've visited have left me with feelings of reverence and fascination.

[@ttaibe]

The people living at the time in Susa must have thought that their city would last forever. How could it not with all that power and all that history and having played such an important role for so long..... It is easy to think that "now" lasts forever.

[@DanteD84]

Well, I'm sold. Thanks for the cool vid

[@Laura-ed5kf]

I geek-out on this too. The Detroit Institute of Arts has gobs of artifacts spanning 4K-years, including a Babylonian Dragon from the Ishtar Gate. To think Daniel & his friends would also have walked under this same dragon is humbling and amazing, a testimony to the ingenuity and creativity of man and also to the promises of God. Though I’m not certain it was right these artifacts should have been transported across oceans, they still connect us in a tangible way to places we read about in Scripture.

[@ethdow6817]

Wow! I am Persian and have thought about Susa quite a lot, but you really put it in a whole another perspective. Bravo!

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

HISTORY...HISTORY...HISTORY.

[@Lorrainecats]

So cool! Thanks for this video, Matt!

[@lewismassie]

It's nice to see someone else who's deeply obsessed with ancient humans. There's something quite unlike a place that hundreds of thousands of people over thousands of years have slowly and inexorably built together. Completely unplanned and without communication, but built with care and attention nonetheless.

[@tripp9821]

Great video Matt! I’m really enjoying your podcast series on Esther on the TMBH podcast, this video compliments it nicely! Thanks for your commitment to this outstanding content.

[@joejackson6205]

Fascinating Matt. Still hoping for a video on Modern Eucharistic Miracles. Love you and your work to reunite Christianity.

[@Mrsadams1]

Love it! I wish there was a director's cut, longer version of this video. 😊

[@remain_]

Might be my fave video you’ve ever done. I love getting a deeper glimpse into history

[@rockytopbritt]

I just love that the bad guy from 300 was probably Esther's husband.

[@MessianicJewJitsu]

Grateful for what we have from the past and things we do have are gravely under valued. Especially if this pale blue dot is all there was. Every clue is valuable and worth a thousand new weapons

[@nalveyna]

Great video! Thanks for this! I enjoyed seeing all the photos of architecture & artifacts found in Susa. Must have truly been a beautiful place buried under the sands of time. I was reading in the book of Daniel chapter 7 today when he is in vision in the citadel of Susa. I had to explore more about this place mentioned in the Bible. So glad I did. Fascinating stuff.

[@danthiel8623]

Cool thanks for your enthusiasm

[@GrumpyForester]

I watched this when you first published it back in August, but came back to it because of it's connection to your Esther TMBH podcast series (that I'm now about one hundred and ninety eleven episodes into). I didn't pay attention to your shirt last time, but it caught my eye THIS time...Ted Lasso? Sweet!!

[@misseli1]

Another great video!

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you, Brother Matt⭐🌹⭐🌹⭐

[@Yokar_mova1212]

Hopefully someday we will be free and you can come here and see our historical places, what little of it will be left by then God only Knows, great video and presentation 🎉

[@peruseperusing5027]

Great clip!! :)

[@maltomeal3]

This was such a fun video. Especially after listening to all of the Esther podcast episodes.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Hey thank you for listening to those! I'm sad it's just about over.

[@user-zg4zn1es2q]

If you’re able to you should visit the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a beautiful cathedral and the priests there are amazing.

[@isawthelight]

Great Video. Thanks for this. God bless you.

[@specialagentososexy9619]

I love this side of Matt Whitman KZbin channel, AI was fun while it lasted, but I love the history lessons from professor Matt. Thanks friend

[@Grillenheimer]

Didn't get a notification and I'm subscribed.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Thanks for letting me know. That's frustrating to hear because these things are a lot of work, and I'd like people who've subscribed to be notified there's a new video.

[@mkc1rrc]

Go to Branson, MO and go see Queen Esther. The production is insane and well worth it!!!

[@ccarlson7]

Great video Matt! Very interesting.

[@fredrik.claesson]

This is one of your best videos yet!! Absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for this!

[@PaulaWordCrafts]

I agree! I am presently writing a novel about Esther. Susa and the Persian empire is fascinating,

[@andreek8559]

I just looked it up. There’s actually Christian religious tourism in Iran.

[@fuferito]

I love Matt's diplomacy in embracing certain "Biblical scholars" _one_ way vs _another_ way, in terms of the age of the Earth... I'll just stop here.

[@epr8974]

There honestly shouldn't be any diplomacy involved around this.

[@marmeemarch7080]

​@@epr8974then call it sensitivity for educational purposes. I agree with you regarding scholars (and students) who should absolutely know better, but a lot of laity have been told things by people they trust, and they're not gonna listen to a different perspective without building some trust first.

[@violetta47]

I visited here several times..I lived near to Susa....

[@TCoffman]

Matt, thanks for sharing this, it’s so interesting. 😊

[@user-ky9rv5xd8c]

Great video bro... I visited susa real ancient place with still much wisdom and secrets hidden in it..

[@seranonable]

I love the ancient world, especially Mesopotamia. Such a playground for the imagination and every little surviving fragment just seems so full of stories!

[@jenniferlawrence1372]

I’ve missed these types of videos. You make history come alive. Pretty sure you need to organize 1-2 week tours of the Middle East.

[@richardpetervonrahden6393]

Thank you for this fascinating archaeological diversion. Really interesting.

[@JosephsCoat]

11:10 that’s why I have an original 17th century Geneva Bible leaf from Genesis 2-4 framed on my wall. Upon pages just like that one English reformers worked out reformed covenant theology. A 400 year old piece of paper does a lot to connect you to those early Presbyterians and Baptists.

[@WeTheLittlePeople]

Nice narration, thanks! Looking at the beautiful symmetrical architecture, if those Ancient Astronuts looked at it, they'd say it was ET headquarters. ;)'

[@lukebrown5395]

Matt should go through the Great Adventure Bible timeline,

[@boomiTech]

Hi Matt, I am an on and off listener but still big fan of your videos and tmbh podcast. Could you make an episode about chapter Ecclesiastes in the Bible, the history and potential interpretation? I recently discovered Ecclesiastes and I am wondering why it comes right after Proverbs, which is all about wisdom.

[@amolinguas]

I had that specific copy of Herodotus's The Histories, btw! I own the digital copy now though

[@DarZav94]

You can get a tourist visa for Iran at the Pakistani embassy in Washington DC, though I think you’d have to pre-book a tour first.

[@Rachturne]

you can own some sweet coins minted in Susa. I just got an awesome tetradrachm minted 325-320bc under alexander

[@violetta47]

I visited Queen Esther's and Mordechai' s tomb in Hamedan ( Ekbatana)

[@ilytrion]

Not ancient, but I walked on George Washington's lawn. It was surreal. I can't even imagine walking through something as old as this.

[@JerusalemIfi4getU]

Shoutout to Jews from Persia and Jews with ancestors from Persia, the descendants of Esther, Mordecai & their peers

[@highviewbarbell]

It doesn't get mentioned enough, but "Mordecai" is a dope name

[@shutruk-nahunte3309]

There are no Jews or Persians in susa the great city is much more secure than that

[@violetta47]

Choga Zanbil Ziggurat is wonderful

[@CogitoNM]

Love your talks. Why don't you have a bibliography? I want to read what you're reading!

[@acsprayb]

We're Richmond 'til we die! We're Richmond 'til we die! We know we are, we're sure we are, we're Richmond 'til we die!

[@Archaeonauts]

Maybe you should look into what is involved in getting a travel visa for Iran. It might be difficult to get one, but I don't think it's impossible. I remember years ago that Humans of New York guy went there and talked to people and took pictures of them. It stuck out in my mind because it isn't a place Americans would normally go, yet he somehow got to go there and, despite being a conservative Islamic country, I was actually surprised how "modern" it seemed compared to the typical Western mainstream media portrayals of it that I was used to. So may be look into it? I probably wouldn't lead with being a Christian looking to get information for your Christian podcast, but maybe you can say you are an "archaeology journalist".

[@amolinguas]

The Persian Empire (Achaeminid's) is also known as the Forgotten Empire, sadfly!

[@thebruce0]

I've always been fascinated by thinking about how many civilizations still unknown have existed since the flood - and even how many ruins may still be buried and undiscovered from /before/ the flood, given they weren't intentionally destroyed by God in the process. Archaeology I feel has only barely scratched the surface of discoverable human civilization.

[@justcarterr]

could you do a video about the gospel of judas

[@bardiakenway]

Hey I'm from Iran and recently I'm creating Susa during Achaemenid period, you might be interested to see it!.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

And you have an Achaemenid name! That's awesome. Do you know anyone who lives near Susa who would take video and/or photos for me? I'd be happy to pay them.

[@bardiakenway]

@MattWhitmanTMBH thanks yea my name is an achaemenid name son of cyrus:). well I do have people and recently I've been there in Susa and Persepolis, since I'm working on the city for reconstruction that being said, I have some data and photos that ive taken myself, I can share with you if you're interested my friend.

[@bardiakenway]

@MattWhitmanTMBH I can do it for free my friend.

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

@@bardiakenway I would love that!

[@EcclesiastesLiker-py5ts]

Biblical history is beautiful. And people say this stuff is made up.

[@peterterry7918]

If Alexander Graham Bell lived during the Persian empire, would he have invented the Susa-Phone? 🤨🙃😁😉

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Go To Your Room! :-)

[@LHJC10]

Maybe Matt could go there pretending to make a sci-fi movie?

[@IamGrimalkin]

I feel like maybe you're overstating the 'layers of history' angle for people like Cyrus because you're a historian yourself and really interested in this stuff, and also because as an american you're not used to seeing old stuff all that often. Ilkely Moor has good amount of really old stuff in it and and I've been there many times. I think it's kind of cool but not outstandingly amazing like you were suggesting. I don't think most people would see it as outstandinngly amazing either, in fact I think many people don't care and only go there because of the natural landscape.

[@marmeemarch7080]

I'm also an American, and I also LOVE old places and historic things, probably because, as you say, we don't have much old stuff around us.

[@iwontliveinfear]

Matt, does this newfound love of Susa make you want to change your answer for how you would use your time travel tokens? Also never say never. Iran is in a state of political flux right now, intelligence says that most Iranians aren't anti-american and are increasingly dissatisfied with the current government.

[@iwontliveinfear]

NVM, answered in video.

[@eagle7757]

To believe in someone, you are convinced that they are true. If you believe in Jesus Christ, you will be Saved by Grace Alone, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV.

[@brianblazington4545]

Wait… why can’t Americans enter Iran? Unless Matt is an enemy of the state for some reason lol

[@Copen.Whiskey]

Soooo are you aware there is a AI Jesus app? 😮

[@shutruk-nahunte3309]

How dare you call our beloved city a Persian city susa never was and never will be Persian it always had khuzi people in it Elamites Elymais Khuziz Lurs and arabs

[@MattWhitmanTMBH]

Lolololol, okay. Can I say Paris is French? Ketchup is red? Three is less than four? Or will you get offended by that, too?

[@misseli1]

Another great video!