FIRUZABAD

ancient Gur town situated about 55 miles (88 km) south of Shiraz, in the Fars region of south-central Iran. The town is said to have been founded by the Sasanian king Ardashir I (AD 224241) in commemoration of his victory over the Parthian king Artabanus. The Sasanian town was circular in plan and had a high tower topped by a fire altar in the centre. The ruined palace of Ardashir I in the town is the oldest extant example of Sasanian architecture. The name of the town was changed in the middle of the 10th century because the citizens felt that gur (Persian: grave) had unpleasant connotations. Pop. (1986) 34,433.