Shushan (Susa)
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Neh. 1:1; Esth. 1:2; Dan. 8:2)—an ancient and magnificent city on or near the Ulai in Elam, in what is now southwestern Iran. Susa became one of the principal residences of the Persian kings after Cyrus conquered the region. Daniel’s vision is set at the citadel of Shushan, and the events of Esther unfold at the royal court there. Excavation has revealed successive Elamite, Persian, and later levels, including the remains of the Achaemenid palace complex. Later tradition placed Daniel’s tomb at Susa, but Scripture does not identify his burial place.