According to early historians, the city of Isfahan was founded by Tahmuras, the third king of the Pishdadian dynasty. Others have attributed its foundation to Alexander the Great, while some believe it dates back to an even earlier period. In any case, historians generally agree on the city's great antiquity.

As for the origin of its name, historical and geographical records refer to Isfahan by various forms, including Espahan and Sepahan. The name is most likely derived from the Persian word sepah ("army"), suggesting that the city once served as a gathering place or military encampment for troops.

Isfahan's history dates back to the pre-Islamic period. There is, however, limited information on the city's far history. The available data come from the works of historians and authors from the third and fourth centuries of Hijri. These primarily focus on two main settlements within Isfahan: Jay and Yahudiyeh.

Jay, also known as "Gi," "Gabe," and "Gabaye," was the ancient name for Isfahan during the Achaemenid era. However, due to the expansion of the area, the name now refers exclusively to a block in the city's eastern part. Further, "Yahudiyeh," or "the Jewish Quarter," known as "Jubareh," was a settlement for Jews who migrated towards Iranian borders in 587 BCE. They chose it as their new place of residence after reaching Isfahan.

After the fall of the Sassanian Empire, the people of Isfahan, like other Iranians, converted to Islam. The first conquest of Isfahan by Muslims has been reported as happening between 640 (19 Hijri) and 642 (21 Hijri). However, soon after that, the people revolted against the caliphate government. Isfahan was nevertheless re-conquered by Muslims in 23 Hijri, and remained under the rule of Arab caliphs for three and a half centuries.

In 931 (310 Hijri), though, Mardavij Ziyari rebelled against the caliphs and brought Isfahan within his territory after conquering the Jebal region. Mardavij was keen to revive the traditions of his Iranian ancestors and was famous for hosting the grand celebration of "Sadeh" in 935 (323 Hijri). However, in the same year, while Mardavij was planning to make Isfahan his capital, he was assassinated as part of a conspiracy instigated by the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad.

In the subsequent period, during the Buyid's, Isfahan became the capital under the notable man of that dynasty, Hasan Rukn al-Dawlah. He contributed significantly to the city's development and expansion. The 'Jorjir or Saghir Jameh Mosque,' whose magnificent entrance arch is the only remain, is an artifact from the Buyid's in Isfahan. Other parts of this mosque, which were dilapidated, were reconstructed during the reign of Shah Abbas II and are now known as the Hakim Mosque, one of the famous Safavid-era monuments.

In addition to being the capital of Iran during the Buyid Dynasty, Isfahan also served as the capital during two other significant periods: the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties.

Isfahan transitioned from the Buyid's to the Seljuk in 1051 (443 Hijri). This was the beginning of a glorious era in its history. During the reign of Malik-Shah Seljuki and the efficient administration of Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, Isfahan became one of the world's most essential and prosperous cities. The most significant remains from the Malik-Shah era are "Gonbad (dome)-e Nizam al-Mulk" and "Gonbad-e Taj al-Mulk" in Isfahan's Jameh Mosque. These are architecturally distinct.

In "Dar al-Batikh Mausoleum," located in the Ahmadabad Neighborhood of Isfahan, Sultan Malik-Shah, Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk, and several other Seljuk kings and dignitaries are buried.

In the era between the end of the Seljuks and the beginning of the Safavids, there were two significant calamities: The Mongol invasion in the seventh century and the Timur massacre in the late eighth century. However, during the Ilkhanate Mongol period, Isfahan found a period of peace again. This resulted in renovations and construction work taking place. "Mihrab of Uljaytu" in Jameh Mosque in Isfahan, represents a magnificent example of Ilkhanid stucco works.

The Safavid era marked Isfahan's most prominent period of growth and prosperity after years of bloodshed, plunder, and turmoil. With the transfer of the capital to Isfahan in 1591 (1000 Hijri) by Shah Abbas I, a movement of development commenced with the construction of squares, streets, bazaars, palaces, and bridges. Many of Isfahan's iconic historical buildings, such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Abbasi Jameh Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, were constructed during this period.

Among other Safavid kings, Shah Abbas II offered a glorious part of Isfahan's history. Khaju Bridge and Chehel Sotoun Palace are the remains of his period.

Isfahan also experienced significant growth in science and culture during the Safavid era. Art and architecture reached their pinnacle, and a new trend in Islamic wisdom and philosophy launched.

Eventually, due to Shah Sultan Hossein's incapability, the Afghan invasion of Isfahan in 1722 (1135 Hijri) led to the extinction of the Safavid dynasty.

Isfahan has no notable remnants from the Zand period. There are, however, monuments from the Qajar ear, which have mainly been built by the benefactors of the period. Such efforts have nevertheless been insufficient in compensating the damages inflicted during the rule of Zel al-Sultan, the son of Naser al-Din Shah, over Isfahan.

In the recent century, Isfahan has developed and changed into a tourist destination. Its old buildings have been reconstructed and/or restored, and its handicrafts have been revived. Establishing large iron and steel factories like Zob-e-Ahan and Mobarakeh Steel Plant has made Isfahan one of Iran's major industrial/tourist cities.

Isfahan's history dates back to the pre-Islamic period. There is, however, limited information on the city's far history. The available data come from the works of historians and authors from the third and fourth centuries of Hijri. These primarily focus on two main settlements within Isfahan: Jay and Yahudiyeh.

Jay, also known as "Gi," "Gabe," and "Gabaye," was the ancient name for Isfahan during the Achaemenid era. However, due to the expansion of the area, the name now refers exclusively to a block in the city's eastern part. Further, "Yahudiyeh," or "the Jewish Quarter," known as "Jubareh," was a settlement for Jews who migrated towards Iranian borders in 587 BCE. They chose it as their new place of residence after reaching Isfahan.

After the fall of the Sassanian Empire, the people of Isfahan, like other Iranians, converted to Islam. The first conquest of Isfahan by Muslims has been reported as happening between 640 (19 Hijri) and 642 (21 Hijri). However, soon after that, the people revolted against the caliphate government. Isfahan was nevertheless re-conquered by Muslims in 23 Hijri, and remained under the rule of Arab caliphs for three and a half centuries.

In 931 (310 Hijri), though, Mardavij Ziyari rebelled against the caliphs and brought Isfahan within his territory after conquering the Jebal region. Mardavij was keen to revive the traditions of his Iranian ancestors and was famous for hosting the grand celebration of "Sadeh" in 935 (323 Hijri). However, in the same year, while Mardavij was planning to make Isfahan his capital, he was assassinated as part of a conspiracy instigated by the Abbasid caliphate in Baghdad.

In the subsequent period, during the Buyid's, Isfahan became the capital under the notable man of that dynasty, Hasan Rukn al-Dawlah. He contributed significantly to the city's development and expansion. The 'Jorjir or Saghir Jameh Mosque,' whose magnificent entrance arch is the only remain, is an artifact from the Buyid's in Isfahan. Other parts of this mosque, which were dilapidated, were reconstructed during the reign of Shah Abbas II and are now known as the Hakim Mosque, one of the famous Safavid-era monuments.

In addition to being the capital of Iran during the Buyid Dynasty, Isfahan also served as the capital during two other significant periods: the Seljuk and Safavid dynasties.

Isfahan transitioned from the Buyid's to the Seljuk in 1051 (443 Hijri). This was the beginning of a glorious era in its history. During the reign of Malik-Shah Seljuki and the efficient administration of Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, Isfahan became one of the world's most essential and prosperous cities. The most significant remains from the Malik-Shah era are "Gonbad (dome)-e Nizam al-Mulk" and "Gonbad-e Taj al-Mulk" in Isfahan's Jameh Mosque. These are architecturally distinct.

In "Dar al-Batikh Mausoleum," located in the Ahmadabad Neighborhood of Isfahan, Sultan Malik-Shah, Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk, and several other Seljuk kings and dignitaries are buried.

In the era between the end of the Seljuks and the beginning of the Safavids, there were two significant calamities: The Mongol invasion in the seventh century and the Timur massacre in the late eighth century. However, during the Ilkhanate Mongol period, Isfahan found a period of peace again. This resulted in renovations and construction work taking place. "Mihrab of Uljaytu" in Jameh Mosque in Isfahan, represents a magnificent example of Ilkhanid stucco works.

The Safavid era marked Isfahan's most prominent period of growth and prosperity after years of bloodshed, plunder, and turmoil. With the transfer of the capital to Isfahan in 1591 (1000 Hijri) by Shah Abbas I, a movement of development commenced with the construction of squares, streets, bazaars, palaces, and bridges. Many of Isfahan's iconic historical buildings, such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Abbasi Jameh Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, were constructed during this period.

Among other Safavid kings, Shah Abbas II offered a glorious part of Isfahan's history. Khaju Bridge and Chehel Sotoun Palace are the remains of his period.

Isfahan also experienced significant growth in science and culture during the Safavid era. Art and architecture reached their pinnacle, and a new trend in Islamic wisdom and philosophy launched.

Eventually, due to Shah Sultan Hossein's incapability, the Afghan invasion of Isfahan in 1722 (1135 Hijri) led to the extinction of the Safavid dynasty.

Isfahan has no notable remnants from the Zand period. There are, however, monuments from the Qajar ear, which have mainly been built by the benefactors of the period. Such efforts have nevertheless been insufficient in compensating the damages inflicted during the rule of Zel al-Sultan, the son of Naser al-Din Shah, over Isfahan.

In the recent century, Isfahan has developed and changed into a tourist destination. Its old buildings have been reconstructed and/or restored, and its handicrafts have been revived. Establishing large iron and steel factories like Zob-e-Ahan and Mobarakeh Steel Plant has made Isfahan one of Iran's major industrial/tourist cities.