fter Shapur the First, the Sassanid King, conquered the Roman Emperor, commanded the Roman POWs to build a new town in a location that was 18 Kilometers South-East the present Dezful city. That town was named Veh-Andiv i Shapur, meaning “city of Shapur, better than Antakiyy-e[1]”. From the beginning, Veh-andiv was then called Gondi Shapur (meaning the city of Shapur), was a focal point for scientists and acedemics. Many of the Roman texts were transferred to Gondi Shapur and translated into Pahlavi language, and were kept in collections. In the 5th century A.D., a university and a hospital were established in Gondi Shapur that were functional up to 3rd century A.H. In these institutions scientists and medical practitioners cultivated and used experiences of different nations like Iranian, Indian, Greek, and Alexandrian medicine. In Anoushirvan’s reign, research activities were fostered in Gondi Shapur and the city gained a fame in those days world. Medicine, Philosophy, Mathematics, Theology, Music, Political sciences and
Agriculture were among branches of learning dealt with in Gondishapur University. It is said that many scientists from Iranian and Indian nationalities were employed there. Some medical texts were translated into Pahlavi and were taught in university. These books were then translated into Arabic in later times. Crusaders then took these books to Europe, where they were translated again into Latin, and then, in 15th to 20th century, into French and English to be taught partly in European universities. In Gondi Shapur Hospital Iranian, Indian and Greek medical treatments were applied, and it is said that the first medical symposium was held there in 550 A.D.
Last Updated on: Nov 30, 2024