An ancient civilization and geographical region, covering modern Khuzestan and Ilam Province in Iran, and stretching into southern Iraq. It is also known as Susiana because of its capital Susa. The Elamite states were important political power in ancient Near East from ca. 3200 BCE onwards. Susa became one of the capitals of the Achaemenid Empire during the rule of Cambyses II (ruled 530-522 BCE). Elamite was one of the “official” languages of the Achaemenid Empire.