PERSEPOLIS IRAN: Mysteries and Power of the Persian Empire — IranAmaze
You should definitely visit Persepolis, the ancient city of Iran. It is the legendary city that symbolizes the mysteries and power of ancient Persia.
It is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
Today, this flagship Ancient City ~70 km northeast of Shiraz is nothing but ruins. Persepolis, a city that was burned, looted and killed, still fascinates with its splendor even after 25 centuries. Why? Why? That’s what we’re going to offer you in this article from our Heulys travel blog.
1. Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Kingdom
First, a brief historical background. The city of Persepolis IranAmaze in Persia (Greek “city of the Persians”) would have been founded in 518 BC by Darius I, the great king of the Persian empire. He belonged to the Achaemenid dynasty. In addition, the construction work was continued by his son Xerxes I and his grandson Artaxerxes I.
The ancient Persian capital was a palace complex built on a monumental terrace at the foot of a mountain range in southeastern Iran. Darius wanted to establish the center of his political and administrative power there. Also, at that time, the Persian Empire had spread over much of the present Middle East. Trade is flourishing, and the life of the monarch and his court is luxurious.
Some archaeologists also attribute a religious role to the city.
2. But it only took one night to destroy the Persian capital
Unfortunately, 25 centuries after its construction, very little remains of the palaces that were built over 3 generations. According to historians, in 331 BC, Alexander the Great burned Persepolis during his invasion of the Achaemenid kingdom. Overnight, the capital was sacked and its inhabitants massacred.
3. Visit Persepolis
We leave Shiraz, where we stay for a few days before reaching the ancient Persian capital, 70 km away. After crossing a long desert plain, we reach the archaeological site of the ancient city. It seems to be located in the middle of nowhere.
At the bottom of a huge staircase, the entrance to the palace complex is impressive.
Under a cruel sun, we start to tour the place with our Iranian guide. After climbing the terrace, we pass the Porte des Nations, a majestic and huge stone porch surrounded by two large bulls. On the other side of the portal, two winged bull statues guard the entrance.
4. Great buildings survived Persepolis
We have a view of the entire site from Porte des Nations. The ruins of the ancient Persian capital have survived:
The Ionic columns covered with bull busts of Apadana (Throne Room) and the column bases of the “100 Column Palace” attest to the magnificence of the structures.
In the background we can see the window frames and doors of the Tachara (Darius Palace).
Two royal tombs, Artaxerxes I and Artaxerxes II, carved into the rocky massif overlooking the ruins, recall the style of the tombs at Naqsh-i Rüstem.
And finally, every inch of stairs and walls are covered with bas-reliefs!
5. The Achaemenids were masters of the art of bas-relief
Then we go to the entrance of Apadana. The beauty of the carved reliefs on the monumental stairs amazes us. They are remarkably preserved and describe the grandeur of the court. One of the panels depicts the parade of the Immortals forming the Guardians of Darius’ Spearmen.
On the facade of each staircase is a stone triangle depicting a lion devouring a bull. This animal scene symbolizes the spring equinox. As a result, with the change of seasons, the constellation Leo is at its zenith, while the constellation Taurus disappears on the horizon.
These bas-reliefs testify to the artistic genius of Ancient Persia.
6. The entire city of Persepolis celebrates Nowruz
For more than 2500 years, the people of this city have been celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian New Year celebration. So, on New Year’s Day, the notables representing the peoples subject to the Persian Empire came to bring gifts to the ruler.
This celebration is skillfully represented on the facades of the eastern staircase of Apadana. Everything indicates that there were people in Persepolis that day! There are at least 23 delegations that come with animals, buoys carved into the facades.
For example, the Lydian delegation represented below. A chariot drawn by horses and notables that brought many offerings, such as bracelets and pottery.
Another example of delegation represented on the walls. The delicacy of the representations, the details of the clothes worn, the headdresses, the offerings make it possible to identify the different ethnic groups that came to honor the monarch.
7. To visit Persepolis is to travel back in time.
To finish the time travel in the heart of Iran, we walk among the ruins of this ancient city of Persepolis, which exceeds several hundred meters. We then use the stairs leading to the tombs overlooking the site. The facades, framed by columns, are richly decorated with reliefs.
With our backs to the tombs, we admire the surviving remains.
In short, they let you imagine the magnificent palaces that make up this magnificent ancient city of Iran. For example, we imagine a forest of beautifully painted temples, pillars supporting roofs. We also visualize a parade of richly decorated dignitaries who come to pay their respects to Darius, the greatest of the Iranian rulers.
