The richest city under the sun

04. 06. 2020
6th international conference of exopolitics, history and spirituality

The majestic city of Persepolis, once the "richest city under the sun," according to the writings of Diodor Sicul, was a magnificent showcase for the Achamenid Empire. When it was built in the 5th century BC, the Persians controlled an estimated 44% of the entire human population. And although Persepolis was placed in the middle of nowhere, far from any political or strategic place, it was indeed created to amaze and underscore the immense power of Persian kings.

Persepolis, whose name means Persian City, was formerly called Parsa and was a relatively interesting complex. It was located in a mountainous area, usually visited only in spring and summer, because the roads turned into mud during the rainy season and the city was difficult to access. Nevertheless, the government was based here and royal receptions and festive festivals were held here.

Columns of the ancient city of Persepolis

The construction of the city began in 518 BC on the site chosen by the founder of the Achamenid Empire Cyrus the Great, Darius I, who ruled from 522 to 486 BC Xerxes I then completed the construction during his reign (486-465) and his most palaces are also a work. The city was located 37 miles northeast of Shiraz, on the eastern side of Mount of Mercy (Rahmet Mountain). It was cut off to provide space for a 1345-square-foot terrace base.

Tombs of the Ahamenida kings in Naqsh-e Rustam, the ruins of Persepolis in Iran

The royal complex, which was a microcosm within the empire, included Apadana, or audience hall, throne room, Darius and Xerxes palace, Gate of all nations, treasury, and harem. According to historian Diodor, Persepolis was surrounded by three very carefully guarded walls (the first was 7 high, the second about 14 feet, and the last 30 feet).

Bas-relief in Apadana, Persepolis, Iran

One of the most characteristic features of this architectural gem is the Persepole Staircase of Nations, which is built into the western wall and is considered to be the originally intended main entrance to the terrace. Two symmetrical staircases with a width of 23 feet have 111 shallow steps.

They are full of reliefs of dark gray stone, whose scenery depicts the messages of 23 different nations of the empire bringing gifts to the king. Even today, the represented nations can be identified by their cultural accessories and physical appearance - there are, for example, Egyptians, Indians, Tajiks, Bactras, Assyrians, etc.

Persepolis, Iran: the capital of the Achamenid Empire - a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The eastern and western entrances to the great hall of the Gate of All Nations, built by Xerxes, are protected by two lamassas, protective deities with the body of a bull and a human head. The name Xerxes is also written in three languages ​​to indicate who ordered their construction.

The Throne Hall, or the Hall of a Hundred Columns, consisted of one large limestone room decorated with reliefs depicting the throne scenes and the scenes of kings fighting various monsters. Its construction was started by Xerxes and completed by his son Artaxerxes. Initially it served as an important reception room, later it was used as a treasury. Apadana was even larger than the Throne Hall. The construction was started by Darius and then completed by the Xerxeses. The roof of the great hall was supported by twenty-seven impressive columns decorated with carved animals.

Like all other buildings, these were full of gold, silver, precious stones and ivory. Near the place there are three tombs, which are carved into the mountain Husain Kuh. Darius the Great, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes and Darius II are believed to be buried here. The cross-shaped façade has a relief of the king and a winged disk of Ahuramazda, the chief god of the Zoroastrian religion, worshiped by the Persians. The entrance to the tomb is high above the ground and leads deep into the mountain.

The ruins of Persepolis

To date, only 13 of the original 37 pillars have been preserved thanks to destructive events in the past. Nevertheless, it is still a symbol of the strength and glory of the Achamenid monarchy. Alexander the Great, known for his brave and sometimes cruel nature, ordered the burning of the city in 330 BC. It is speculated that this was an act of revenge for Athens that Xerxes burned in 480 BC. However, there are also theories according to which he wanted to emphasize his total victory over the Persian kingdom. The real reason is not confirmed, but there are many different explanations for it, one of which was provided by Diodorus Siculus:

"When the king raised the fire, all of their divans arose and passed on the message to create a triumphant procession together in honor of the god Dionysus. Many torches gathered quickly. There were women musicians at the banquet, so the king led them all out to the sounds of voices, flutes and trumpets, with Thais directing the performance. She was the first after the king to throw his flaming torch at the palace. When everyone else did the same, the whole area around the palace immediately ignited. It was a huge fire. "

The city of Persepolis

Then, according to Plutarch, Alexander took all the treasure on 20 mules and 000 camels. In 5, Antione de Gouvea was the first European to visit the place, and in 000 it was identified as Persepolis.

However, archaeological excavations did not begin until 1931 under the supervision and sponsorship of the Oriental Institute in Chicago. In 1979, Persepolis was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This place of ancient glory still evokes immense amazement and admiration.

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