Perspolis is one of the most impressive and significant archaeological sites in the world. It was the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian dynasty that ruled over a vast territory from India to Egypt. Perspolis showcases the glory and splendor of the Persian civilization, as well as its cultural diversity and tolerance. In this article, I will explore the history, architecture, and art of Persepolis, and explain why it deserves to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History of Perspolis

Perspolis was founded by Darius I, the third king of the Achaemenid Empire, around 518 BCE. He chose a site near the Zagros Mountains, in the present-day Fars province of Iran, to build his magnificent palace complex. He named it Parsa, meaning “the city of Persians”, but the Greeks later called it Perspolis, meaning “the Persian city”. Darius I wanted to create a symbol of his power and authority, as well as a place for celebrating the Persian New Year (Nowruz) and receiving tribute from the provinces of his empire. He also wanted to honor the ancient Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism, which emphasized the dualism of good and evil, and the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of wisdom and justice.

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Darius I was succeeded by his son Xerxes I, who expanded and embellished Perspolis with more palaces, halls, and sculptures. He also added a monumental gateway, known as the Gate of All Nations, which welcomed visitors from different lands and cultures. Xerxes I was followed by his son Artaxerxes I, who completed the construction of Perspolis and added a treasury and a harem. The Achaemenid kings spared no expense in decorating Perspolis with the finest materials and craftsmen from all over their empire. They used local limestone for the foundations and walls, imported cedar wood from Lebanon for the roofs and beams, and brought gold, silver, ivory, and precious stones from India, Egypt, and other regions for the adornments and furnishings.

Perspolis reached its peak of glory and prosperity under the rule of the Achaemenid Empire, which lasted for more than two centuries. However, in 330 BCE, Perspolis was invaded and sacked by Alexander the Great, the Macedonian conqueror who defeated the last Achaemenid king, Darius III. Alexander and his army looted and burned Perspolis, destroying much of its buildings and treasures. Some historians believe that Alexander’s act was motivated by revenge, as the Persians had previously invaded and burned Athens in 480 BCE. Others suggest that Alexander was influenced by his tutor, Aristotle, who despised the Persians as barbarians and enemies of Greek civilization. Whatever the reason, Alexander’s destruction of Perspolis marked the end of the Achaemenid Empire and the beginning of the Hellenistic period in the region.

Perspolis remained in ruins for centuries, until it was rediscovered and excavated by European and Iranian archaeologists in the 19th and 20th centuries. They uncovered the remains of the splendid palaces, halls, and sculptures that had survived the fire and the erosion of time. They also found thousands of clay tablets, inscriptions, and seals that revealed the administrative, economic, and social aspects of the Achaemenid Empire. Persepolis was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, for its outstanding universal value as a testimony of the ancient Persian civilization and its cultural diversity and tolerance.

Architecture and Art of Perspolis

Perspolis was built on a large terrace, measuring about 450 by 300 meters, that was partly natural and partly artificial. The terrace was surrounded by a fortified wall and accessed by two monumental staircases, one on the west and one on the east. The staircases were decorated with reliefs of Persian and Median soldiers, as well as lions and bulls, symbolizing the strength and courage of the empire. The terrace was divided into three main areas: the ceremonial area, the residential area, and the military area.

The ceremonial area was located on the north-western part of the terrace, and it was the most impressive and important part of Persepolis. It consisted of several palaces and halls that were used for hosting official receptions, festivals, and ceremonies. The most prominent buildings in this area were:

The Apadana: The largest and most magnificent palace in Perspolis, built by Darius I and completed by Xerxes I. It had a square plan, measuring about 60 by 60 meters, and was supported by 72 columns, each 19 meters high and topped with a double-bull capital. The Apadana had three porticoes, each with 12 columns, and a central hall, with 36 columns, that could accommodate up to 10,000 people. The walls and the ceilings of the Apadana were covered with colorful tiles, paintings, and carvings. The most famous feature of the Apadana was the eastern staircase, which was adorned with reliefs of the representatives of the 23 nations that paid tribute to the Achaemenid king. The reliefs depicted the various costumes, gifts, and animals that each nation brought, as well as the Persian officials and guards that received them. The reliefs were remarkable for their realism, diversity, and harmony, showing the respect and tolerance that the Persians had for other cultures and peoples.

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The Throne Hall: Also known as the Hundred-Column Hall, built by Xerxes I and finished by Artaxerxes I. It had a rectangular plan, measuring about 70 by 70 meters, and was supported by 100 columns, each 14 meters high and topped with a double-lion capital. The Throne Hall was used for holding audiences, meetings, and banquets. The walls and the ceilings of the Throne Hall were decorated with reliefs of Persian soldiers, guards, and courtiers, as well as scenes of the king fighting mythical beasts and enemies. The most notable feature of the Throne Hall was the northern portico, which had two colossal statues of winged bulls with human heads, guarding the entrance. The statues were made of stone and had a height of 5.5 meters. They represented the power and protection of the Achaemenid king and his empire.

The Tripylon: Also known as the Council Hall, built by Xerxes I. It had a square plan, measuring about 25 by 25 meters, and was supported by 12 columns, each 16 meters high and topped with a double-bull capital. The Tripylon was used for holding council meetings and ceremonies. The walls and the ceilings of the Tripylon were decorated with reliefs of Persian nobles, officials, and attendants, as well as scenes of the king and his family. The most interesting feature of the Tripylon was the secret staircase, which was hidden behind a false wall and led to the residential area. The staircase was used by the king and his close associates to move between the ceremonial and the residential areas without being seen by the public.

The residential area was located on the south-western part of the terrace, and it was the private and exclusive part of Perspolis. It consisted of several palaces and buildings that were used for living, working, and storing. The most prominent buildings in this area were:

The Tachara: Also known as the Palace of Darius, built by Darius I. It had a rectangular plan, measuring about 40 by 30 meters, and was supported by 12 columns, each 16 meters high and topped with a double-bull capital. The Tachara was the oldest and the most elegant palace in Persepolis, and it was used by Darius I as his personal residence and office. The walls and the ceilings of the Tachara were decorated with reliefs of Persian soldiers, guards, and servants, as well as scenes of the king and his family. The most remarkable feature of the Tachara was the quality and the preservation of its stone carvings, which were the finest and the best-preserved in Perspolis. The Tachara was also the only palace that survived the fire of Alexander the Great, as it was protected by the surrounding buildings and walls.

The Hadish: Also known as the Palace of Xerxes, built by Xerxes I. It had a square plan, measuring about 36 by 36 meters, and was supported by 36 columns, each 16 meters high and topped with a double-bull capital. The Hadish was the largest and the most luxurious palace in Perspolis, and it was used by Xerxes I as his main residence and office. The walls and the ceilings of the Hadish were decorated with reliefs of Persian soldiers, guards, and servants, as well as scenes of the king and his family. The most distinctive feature of the Hadish was the inscription of Xerxes I, which was carved on the southern wall and stated: “I am Xerxes, the great king, the king of kings, the king of the lands, the king of this great earth, the son of Darius, the Achaemenid.”

The Treasury: Also known as the House of Money, built by Darius I and expanded by Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I. It had a rectangular plan, measuring about 150 by 75 meters, and was surrounded by a wall and a moat. The Treasury was the largest and the most secure building in Perspolis, and it was used for storing the wealth and the treasures of the Achaemenid Empire. The Treasury contained gold, silver, jewels, weapons, textiles, and other valuable items.

The best time to visit Perspolis

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the best time to visit Perspolis based on the daytime is:

  • Morning is the best time for taking self-pictures.
  • Noon is the best time considering the smaller number of tourists.
  • And the afternoon when the sun is a good time to take sunset photos of the monument.

Visiting Perspolis in the early morning or late afternoon is also recommended to avoid the heat and crowds. Persepolis is also scenic in the early fall.

If you want a tour to visit Pesrpolis and the ancient civilization of Persia, check out our tour packages and contact us.