Located on a natural high platform at the foothills of the Kopetdag mountains, Nissa owes its importance to the early Parthian rulers who took over control of the area in III c. BC.

Proof of Hellenistic architecture and Zoroastrian worship are clearly visible at the site, while the magnificent collection of ivory rythons found here, can be admired at the National Museum in Ashgabat. Life in Old Nissa ceased by the end of Parthian rule (III c AD), but its shakhristan (New Nissa) continued to exist until the mid-19th century.