Persepolis, about an hour’s drive from Shiraz, literally means Persian city and was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BC). The ruins of Persepolis was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The site is partly constructed and partly cut out of a mountain. It gives one a great sense of the level of art, culture, and prosperity of the Persian Empire which was the largest empire in ancient history. Sadly, the splendor of Persepolis only lasted two centuries before it was burned and looted by Alexander the Great.
We enter the ancient ruins via the Gate of Xerxes or the Gate of All Nations. It is the only entrance to the terrace and the Throne Hall. A pair of lamassus or bulls with heads of bearded men guard the western entrance and another pair with wings guard the eastern entrance. The second largest building in Persepolis is the Throne Hall which is also called the Hundred Column Hall. Next to the Throne Hall is the Treasury. Apparently, according to Plutarch, 20,000 mules and 5,000 camels had to be used to carry away all the treasures of Persepolis by Alexander the Great. There are a pair of tombs carved into Mercy Mountain behind the complex at Persepolis belonging to Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III. The highlight at Persepolis is no doubt the Apadana which was used mainly for receptions by the kings. Thirteen of the original 72 columns still stand on the platform. The beautiful reliefs depicting scenes from festivals and processions can still be seen. Other highlights include the Palace of Darius with very well preserved reliefs such as ones depicting the king in combat with monsters, and the Palace of Xerxes.
Entering the ancient ruins of Persepolis
Gate of Xerxes or Gate of All Nations
Gate of All Nations in the distance
Tomb of Artaxerses II on the hill overlooking the complex
Tomb of Artaxerxes III carved into Mercy Mountain
Young archaeologists/historians in the making :)
The facade of the Apadana beautifully preserved
Bas-relief of the Immortal Warriors carved onto the wall of the Apadana
Here are a few examples of the various bas-relief covering the Apadana showing the New Year Festival and the different representatives of the subject nations of the Alchaemenid Empire with their offerings.
Palace of Darius
Palace of Darius
Faravahar is the best known symbol of Zoroastrianism, the state religion of ancient Persia.
Not far from Persepolis is Naqshe Rustam. It is believed to have been a cemetery for Persepolis where the royalty were laid to rest. There are four tombs here but only one can be identified with certainty and that is the Tomb of Darius I. The other three are speculated to be the tombs of Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II. There is a cube of Zoroaster here which is a tower-like structure of the Achaemenid era speculated to house an eternal flame memorial to the kings whose tombs were nearby. Others believe it to be an Achaemenid royal tomb. Archaeologists date most of the reliefs found here to the beginning of the Sasanian period. It is believed that in order to legitimize their rule, the Sasanians associated themselves to the Achaemenid Empire and claimed to be its direct successors and hence carving the reliefs at Naqshe Rustam.
Heading up the hill to Naqshe Rustam
The necropolis carved into the mountain
Relief depicting the triumph of Shapur I over the Roman Emperor Valerian.
The founder of the Sasanian Dynasty, Ardashir I, receiving a ring from the Zoroastrian god symbolising divine sanction for his rule as king.
Next will be Pasargadae of Cyrus the Great and Yazd! Stayed tuned!
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