{"id":12852,"date":"2017-06-17T19:48:55","date_gmt":"2017-06-17T19:48:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/?post_type=destination&#038;p=12852"},"modified":"2026-11-02T06:56:44","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T06:56:44","slug":"persepolis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/","title":{"rendered":"Persepolis Travel Guide: A Gateway to Ancient Persia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Persepolis<\/strong>, known in Persian as <strong>Takht-e Jamshid<\/strong>, is an Achaemenid palace complex in Fars Province, northeast of Shiraz. Its stone gateways, columned halls and carved stairways are the focus of a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reliefs show royal authority through processions of guards, courtiers and gift-bearing delegations. Look at their different clothing and the objects and animals they carry: these details make the imagery more informative than a general view of the ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73a5c4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73a5c4\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1347\" height=\"1080\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" class=\"wp-image-60016\" title=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16.jpg 1347w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16-780x625.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16-768x616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16-1024x821.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16-586x470.jpg 586w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-16-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1347px) 100vw, 1347px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Stone gateways, columns and carved reliefs on the Persepolis terrace, northeast of Shiraz.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#why-persepolis-is-significant\" >Why Persepolis Is Significant<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-wider-significance-of-persepolis\" >The Wider Significance of Persepolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#where-is-persepolis-and-how-far-is-it-from-shiraz\" >Where is Persepolis and how far is it from Shiraz?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#-where-does-the-name-persepolis-come-from\" >&nbsp;Where does the name Persepolis come from?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#history-of-persepolis\" >History of Persepolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#persepolis\" >Persepolis.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#who-set-persepolis-on-fire\" >Who set Persepolis on fire?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-burning-of-persepolis\" >The Burning of Persepolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#persepolis-before-its-destruction\" >Persepolis Before its Destruction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#different-sections-of-persepolis\" >Different Sections of Persepolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#what-is-the-total-area-of-persepolis\" >What is the total area of Persepolis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#entrance-staircase-and-gate-of-all-nations\" >Entrance Staircase and Gate of All Nations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#apadana-palace-grand-audience-hall\" >Apadana Palace (Grand Audience Hall)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-palace-of-a-hundred-columns\" >The Palace of a Hundred Columns<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#tachar-palace\" >Tachar Palace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#palace-h\" >Palace H<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#hadis-palace\" >Hadi\u0161 Palace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-queens-palace\" >The Queen&#8217;s Palace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-triple-gated-palace-council-hall\" >The Triple-Gated Palace (Council Hall)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#palace-g\" >Palace G<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-unfinished-gate\" >The Unfinished Gate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-royal-treasury-building\" >The Royal Treasury Building<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#tomb-of-artaxerxes-ii-and-artaxerxes-iii\" >Tomb of Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#how-were-the-columns-of-persepolis-built\" >How Were the Columns of Persepolis Built?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#underground-water-channels\" >Underground Water Channels<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#the-monumental-gate-found-near-persepolis\" >The Monumental Gate Found Near Persepolis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#persepolis-museum\" >Persepolis Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/#reconstruction-of-persepolis\" >Reconstruction of Persepolis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-persepolis-is-significant\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why-persepolis-is-significant\"><\/span>Why Persepolis Is Significant<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scholars disagree<\/a> about whether Persepolis was built for <a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/nowruz-persian-new-year\/\">Nowruz<\/a> celebrations. Its royal ceremonies are important, but identifying the stairway processions as a specific New Year event is an interpretation, not an established fact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73aae6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73aae6\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"507\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-double-griffin-protome-capital-from-Persepolis-1-1024x507.jpg\" alt=\"stone griffin protome column capital, ( Achaemenid griffin ), Persepolis, Iran\" class=\"wp-image-87096\" title=\"Griffins, Persepolis\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-double-griffin-protome-capital-from-Persepolis-1-1024x507.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-double-griffin-protome-capital-from-Persepolis-1-780x386.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-double-griffin-protome-capital-from-Persepolis-1-768x380.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-double-griffin-protome-capital-from-Persepolis-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Double-griffin capital at Persepolis. <a href=\"https:\/\/archaeolog.stanford.edu\/2008\/10\/21\/achaemenid-persian-griffin-capital-at-persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Patrick Hunt\u2019s discussion<\/a> explains that its original position is unresolved; proposed settings include the Unfinished Gate. The saddle between the back-to-back animals was designed to receive a roof beam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-wider-significance-of-persepolis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-wider-significance-of-persepolis\"><\/span>The Wider Significance of Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Persepolis was the ceremonial centre of the Achaemenid Empire, the first great Persian empire, which at its height reached from the Indus in the east to the Aegean in the west. Its scale and decoration presented the king as the guardian of order across that territory, to his own subjects and to foreign envoys alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stairway reliefs are also a historical record. They show delegations from across the empire bringing gifts, each with its own clothing and objects, and so preserve a picture of the many peoples under Achaemenid rule. The art itself combines traditions from different parts of the empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its influence outlasted the fire of 330 BCE. Its architecture left a lasting mark on later Persian building, and the ruins, long protected under sand and earth, allowed modern archaeologists to recover much of the site. UNESCO inscribed Persepolis on the World Heritage List in 1979, and for many Iranians it remains a symbol of national pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-is-persepolis-and-how-far-is-it-from-shiraz\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where-is-persepolis-and-how-far-is-it-from-shiraz\"><\/span>Where is Persepolis and how far is it from Shiraz?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Persepolis lies within Iran&#8217;s Fars Province, approximately 57 kilometers from Shiraz. To reach Persepolis, you must journey to the Fars Province and Marvdasht county.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The archaeological site of Persepolis is situated approximately 10 kilometers to the north of Marvdasht, resting in the foothills of a mountain previously referred to as &#8220;Rahmat,&#8221; known by other names like &#8220;Mitra&#8221; and &#8220;Mehr.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Persepolis was built upon an elevated platform, standing 8 to 18 meters above the Marvdasht plain. The site comprises distinct sections, encompassing ceremonial palaces, smaller private palaces, the royal treasury, and defensive fortifications, including protective walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nbsp-where-does-the-name-persepolis-come-from\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"-where-does-the-name-persepolis-come-from\"><\/span>&nbsp;Where does the name Persepolis come from?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ancient city was called <strong>P\u0101rsa<\/strong>. The Greek-derived name <strong>Persepolis<\/strong> means the city of the Persians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73b0d2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73b0d2\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"392\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379-1024x392.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"wp-image-60021\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379-1024x392.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379-780x298.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379-768x294.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379-300x115.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-379.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Royal audience relief from Persepolis, found in the Treasury and held in Tehran\u2019s Archaeological Museum. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livius.org\/articles\/place\/persepolis\/persepolis-photos\/persepolis-apadana-north-stairs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lendering identifies the seated king as Darius I<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shahbazi identifies Xerxes I<\/a>. Photo via Britannica.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Takht-e Jamshid<\/strong> means Jamshid\u2019s Throne. It reflects a later association with the legendary king, rather than the name of an Achaemenid founder. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iranica explains these separate naming traditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73b4da&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73b4da\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1620\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" class=\"wp-image-60015\" title=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-667x1000.jpg 667w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-313x470.jpg 313w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-9-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-history-of-persepolis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"history-of-persepolis\"><\/span>History of Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Darius I<\/strong> began the terrace around <strong>518 BCE<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/114\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNESCO\u2019s account<\/a> identifies him as the founder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I continued the building programme. Persepolis developed through successive royal projects, rather than one construction period with a single completion date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complex combined a partly natural, partly constructed terrace with monumental approaches and large halls. UNESCO notes the influence of Mesopotamian models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The administrative tablets offer a more precise account of work and provisioning than comparisons with modern employment. <a href=\"https:\/\/isac.uchicago.edu\/publications\/persepolis-fortification-tablets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Richard Hallock\u2019s publication<\/a> describes records of food commodities and organised rations, including supplies for authorised travellers. These records do not establish that everyone who built Persepolis had modern worker insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\" style=\"min-height:800px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#725860\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1168\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-87073\" alt=\"When you stand before the grand staircases of Persepolis, it&amp;apos;s as though you step into a chapter of history that once shaped the world.\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1-780x456.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1-1024x598.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1-768x449.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-1-1536x897.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-text-color\" id=\"h-persepolis\" style=\"color:#ffe074;font-size:64px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persepolis\"><\/span>Persepolis.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:55%\">\n<div style=\"height:330px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#ffe074;font-size:13px;line-height:1.3\"><em>The reliefs, inscriptions and administrative tablets preserve different kinds of evidence about the Achaemenid court.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Fortification Archive was excavated in <strong>1933 CE<\/strong> during the University of Chicago expedition. Its main dated records belong to <strong>509\u2013493 BCE<\/strong>; the separate Treasury Archive covers <strong>492\u2013457 BCE<\/strong>, as listed in <a href=\"https:\/\/isac.uchicago.edu\/publications\/ritual-landscape-persepolis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ISAC\u2019s study of the two archives<\/a>. The discovery year must not be confused with the ancient dates of the tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-set-persepolis-on-fire\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who-set-persepolis-on-fire\"><\/span>Who set Persepolis on fire?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alexander\u2019s forces took Persepolis in <strong>330 BCE<\/strong>, and the palaces were burned. The ancient accounts connect the destruction with Alexander but differ in how they explain his decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikisource.org\/wiki\/The_Anabasis_of_Alexander\/Book_III\/Chapter_XVIII\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Arrian\u2019s <em>Anabasis<\/em>, Book III, chapter 18<\/a>, Parmenion urges Alexander to preserve the palace. Alexander instead presents the burning as retaliation for the Persian destruction of temples in Greece. Arrian criticises that reasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-parallax\" style=\"min-height:100vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#000000\"><\/span><div role=\"img\" aria-label=\"The Burning of Persepolis, led by Tha\u00efs, , by Georges Antoine Rochegrosse\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-87092 has-parallax\" style=\"background-position:50% 50%;background-image:url(https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/The-Burning-of-Persepolis-led-by-Thais-1890-by-Georges-Antoine-Rochegrosse.jpg)\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading alignwide has-white-color has-text-color\" id=\"h-the-burning-of-persepolis\" style=\"font-size:48px;line-height:1.2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-burning-of-persepolis\"><\/span>The Burning of Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#ffffff\"><strong>The Burning of Persepolis<\/strong>, a historical painting depicting the destruction of the Persian ceremonial capital, led by <strong>Tha\u00efs<\/strong>. Created in <strong>1890<\/strong> by <strong>Georges-Antoine Rochegrosse<\/strong>, this particular piece, titled <strong>&#8220;Study for the Burning of Persepolis&#8221;<\/strong>, is an <strong>oil on original canvas<\/strong>.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another tradition, preserved in accounts by Diodorus and Plutarch and summarised in the notes to Arrian\u2019s translation, places Tha\u00efs at a drunken celebration that leads to the fire. This is a competing ancient narrative, not proof of a particular companion\u2019s private motives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These literary narratives were written after the events. They should be read alongside the archaeological remains, rather than treated as eyewitness descriptions of every action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-persepolis-before-its-destruction\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persepolis-before-its-destruction\"><\/span>Persepolis Before its Destruction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before its destruction, the terrace contained royal residences, audience halls, a treasury and fortifications. Their different functions help explain the layout better than treating the entire site as one palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73ca09&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73ca09\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"878\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-377.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Travel Guide: Discover the Legacy of Ancient Iran\" class=\"wp-image-60019\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-377.jpg 750w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-377-401x470.jpg 401w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-377-256x300.jpg 256w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Limestone relief fragment showing a seated male sphinx. Persepolis (modern-day Iran), Achaemenid period, probably 4th century BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early drawings and excavation photographs document how the ruins looked before later clearance and conservation. They are evidence for the history of the site\u2019s study, not images of the ancient fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/news.uchicago.edu\/story\/exhibit-features-archival-images-persepolis-royal-complex-ancient-persia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Chicago\u2019s account of its photographic archive<\/a> describes excavations in 1931\u20131939 and aerial photography in 1937\u20131939. Those records help researchers compare exposed buildings with the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-different-sections-of-persepolis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"different-sections-of-persepolis\"><\/span>Different Sections of Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73ce4d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73ce4d\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"861\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Travel Guide: Discover the Legacy of Ancient Iran\" class=\"wp-image-60020\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378-780x560.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378-1024x735.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378-655x470.jpg 655w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-378-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Palace of Xerxes, via Google Arts &amp; Culture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following sections identify the principal buildings on the terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-total-area-of-persepolis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-the-total-area-of-persepolis\"><\/span>What is the total area of Persepolis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terrace covers approximately <strong>125,000 square metres, or 12.5 hectares<\/strong>. This is the area listed for the <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/114\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Heritage property<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-entrance-staircase-and-gate-of-all-nations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"entrance-staircase-and-gate-of-all-nations\"><\/span>Entrance Staircase and Gate of All Nations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The northwestern entrance has two returning flights of <strong>111 steps each<\/strong>. Their low, approximately 10-centimetre risers made a gradual ceremonial approach. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shahbazi\u2019s architectural account<\/a> rejects the popular explanation that they were designed for riding horses up the terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73d32e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73d32e\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"589\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-1024x589.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" class=\"wp-image-60022\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-1024x589.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-780x449.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-768x442.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-1536x884.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-2048x1178.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-380-300x173.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The staircase reaches the <strong>Gate of All Nations<\/strong>, a four-columned hall with three doorways. Its southern exit leads towards the Apadana courtyard; its eastern exit leads along Army Street towards the Unfinished Gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-apadana-palace-grand-audience-hall\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"apadana-palace-grand-audience-hall\"><\/span>Apadana Palace (Grand Audience Hall)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Apadana<\/strong> had 36 columns in its main hall and 12 in each of three porticoes, making 72 altogether. The stairway reliefs are a particular focus for viewing its royal imagery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73d7b6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73d7b6\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381.jpg\" alt=\"The Ultimate Persepolis Guide: Explore Like a Pro\" class=\"wp-image-60023\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-627x470.jpg 627w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-381-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The building is generally known as the <strong>Apadana<\/strong>, or audience palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-palace-of-a-hundred-columns\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-palace-of-a-hundred-columns\"><\/span>The Palace of a Hundred Columns<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Hundred-Column Hall<\/strong> had a square main hall approximately 68.5 metres across, with ten rows of ten columns. Its name describes that arrangement, rather than a world size record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73dbd1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73dbd1\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"706\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-1024x706.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Travel Guide: How to Experience It the Right Way\" class=\"wp-image-60025\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-1024x706.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-780x538.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-768x529.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-1536x1059.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-2048x1412.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-682x470.jpg 682w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-382-300x207.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of size, the Palace of a Hundred Columns is considered the second-largest palace in Persepolis, and according to Professor Herzfeld&#8217;s research, its construction began during the time of Xerxes and was completed during the reign of Artaxerxes I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tachar-palace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tachar-palace\"><\/span>Tachar Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tachar<\/strong>, Darius\u2019s palace, stands south of the Apadana. Its rectangular plan measures approximately <strong>40 by 30 metres<\/strong>, with a twelve-columned main hall, smaller rooms and a southern portico. The doorway inscription DPa names Darius as the builder; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shahbazi\u2019s account<\/a> identifies the different inscriptions and spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73e003&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73e003\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" class=\"wp-image-60024\" title=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-17.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The doorway reliefs show Darius with attendants, while other doorways depict guards, servants and royal combat scenes. The southern stairway shows figures carrying food and utensils. These are carved scenes, with evidence of original colour, rather than simply paintings on the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xerxes added to Darius\u2019s Tachar. The later staircase at its northwest is attributed to <strong>Artaxerxes III<\/strong>, not Artaxerxes II, in Shahbazi\u2019s account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-palace-h-hadis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"palace-h\"><\/span>Palace H<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Palace H<\/strong> is a separate building south of the Tachar courtyard. It should not be confused with the Hadi\u0161, Xerxes\u2019 residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73e4f3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73e4f3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"712\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383.jpg\" alt=\"Plan Your Trip to Persepolis: Essential Travel Tips\" class=\"wp-image-60026\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383-710x470.jpg 710w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-383-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hadis-palace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"hadis-palace\"><\/span>Hadi\u0161 Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Hadi\u0161<\/strong>, Xerxes\u2019 residence, stood higher on the terrace. Its main square hall had 36 columns. A southern balcony overlooked the plain; a twelve-columned portico lay to the north, with additional apartments on either side. Stairways connected it with neighbouring courtyards and the complex conventionally called the harem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Hadi\u0161 takes its name from a term used in an inscription. Its doorjamb reliefs show Xerxes with attendants; the name does not identify a wife. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Iranica\u2019s architectural account<\/a> describes the palace and its inscriptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-queen-s-palace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-queens-palace\"><\/span>The Queen&#8217;s Palace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The building conventionally called the <strong>Queen\u2019s Palace<\/strong> stands west of the Treasury, in two connected wings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73e9ad&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73e9ad\" class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1649\" height=\"1080\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid Was The Ceremonial Capital Of The Achaemenid Empire\" class=\"wp-image-60027\" title=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid Was The Ceremonial Capital Of The Achaemenid Empire ( C.  \u2013  Bc).\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26.jpg 1649w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-780x511.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-1536x1006.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-718x470.jpg 718w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-26-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1649px) 100vw, 1649px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iranicaonline.org\/articles\/persepolis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shahbazi follows Schmidt\u2019s identification<\/a> of it as Xerxes\u2019 harem, based on its apartments and restricted entrance. This is an architectural interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-triple-gated-palace-council-hall\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-triple-gated-palace-council-hall\"><\/span>The Triple-Gated Palace (Council Hall)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Tripylon<\/strong>, or Central Palace, connected several terrace buildings. Its main hall had three doorways and four columns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73edbd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73edbd\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1798\" height=\"1080\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" class=\"wp-image-60028\" title=\"Persepolis Or Takht E Jamshid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24.jpg 1798w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24-780x470.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24-768x461.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24-1024x615.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24-1536x923.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-24-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1798px) 100vw, 1798px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The square hall measures approximately 15.46 metres across. Its doorway reliefs depict royal figures and attendants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A northern stairway links the Apadana courtyard to its portico. The southern doorway opens towards a courtyard and the area east of the Hadi\u0161.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The northern portico\u2019s capitals depict human-headed bulls, rather than an established symbol of intellect.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73f204&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73f204\" class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"373\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-390.jpg\" alt=\"A delegation bring gifts of precious metal and a chariot fit for a king, Persepolis, 500 BC.\" class=\"wp-image-60038\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2.0107238605898123;width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-390.jpg 750w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-390-300x149.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A delegation bring gifts of precious metal and a chariot fit for a king, Persepolis, 500 BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-palace-g\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"palace-g\"><\/span>Palace G<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Palace G<\/strong> belongs to the later building programme at Persepolis. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.livius.org\/articles\/place\/persepolis\/persepolis-photos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jona Lendering\u2019s site catalogue<\/a> lists it as the palace of Artaxerxes III, among the fourth-century additions. It is distinct from Palace H and the Hadi\u0161.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-half-triple-gate\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-unfinished-gate\"><\/span>The Unfinished Gate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Unfinished Gate<\/strong> stands north of the Hundred-Column Hall\u2019s forecourt. It is a separate gatehouse, not a building designed in the shape of an ox.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-royal-treasury-building\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-royal-treasury-building\"><\/span>The Royal Treasury Building<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darius founded the <strong>Treasury<\/strong> at the terrace\u2019s southeastern corner. Later extensions by Darius and Xerxes changed its plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its Elamite administrative tablets record wages and other expenditure for workers and officials, rather than a modern declaration of labour rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tomb-of-artaxerxes-ii-and-artaxerxes-iii\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"tomb-of-artaxerxes-ii-and-artaxerxes-iii\"><\/span>Tomb of Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73f755&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73f755\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"851\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Guide: Explore Iran\u2019s Iconic UNESCO Site\" class=\"wp-image-60029\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384-707x470.jpg 707w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-384-300x199.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rock-cut tombs above the terrace are attributed to <strong>Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III<\/strong>. Their fa\u00e7ades overlook the palace complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-were-the-columns-of-persepolis-built\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-were-the-columns-of-persepolis-built\"><\/span>How Were the Columns of Persepolis Built?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73fb53&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73fb53\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Guide: Explore Iran\u2019s Iconic UNESCO Site\" class=\"wp-image-60030\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385-627x470.jpg 627w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-385-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stone columns supported a lighter timber roof. As <a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/114\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UNESCO explains<\/a>, wooden lintels and carefully designed capitals allowed large halls with relatively slender supports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-underground-water-channels\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"underground-water-channels\"><\/span>Underground Water Channels<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rock-cut drains and channels carried rainwater away from the terrace. Shafts within walls connected roof drainage to underground channels; hillside works also helped divert runoff. These were water-management features, rather than simply a modern-style sewage system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b73ff45&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b73ff45\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"901\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Guide: Explore Iran\u2019s Iconic UNESCO Site\" class=\"wp-image-60031\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386-780x586.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386-626x470.jpg 626w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-386-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-monumental-gate\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-monumental-gate-found-near-persepolis\"><\/span>The Monumental Gate Found Near Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Twelve years of excavation by Shiraz University and the University of Bologna uncovered a monumental gateway about 12 metres high with a footprint of roughly 30 by 40 metres. The archaeologist Alireza Askari Chavardi, who announced the find, described its decoration as recalling the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. The work shows that the wider Persepolis landscape was more than a ceremonial terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-persepolis-museum\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"persepolis-museum\"><\/span>Persepolis Museum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The complex identified as the harem was partly rebuilt for the 1930s expedition. It subsequently served as the Persepolis Museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b74038c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b74038c\" class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"840\" height=\"527\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387.jpg\" alt=\"Image\" class=\"wp-image-60032\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387.jpg 840w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387-780x489.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387-749x470.jpg 749w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-387-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The archaeological finds include more than monumental sculpture. Schmidt\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/isac.uchicago.edu\/publications\/persepolis-ii-treasury-and-other-discoveries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Persepolis II<\/em><\/a> reports pottery and other Treasury finds; its appendices include a study of charred textiles. That publication documents excavated material, rather than establishing which objects are on display today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-reconstruction-of-persepolis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reconstruction-of-persepolis\"><\/span>Reconstruction of Persepolis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/essays\/ernst-emil-herzfeld-1879-1948-in-persepolis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Metropolitan Museum\u2019s history of Ernst Herzfeld\u2019s work<\/a> distinguishes earlier visits and surveys from the organised excavation that began in <strong>1931<\/strong>. Excavation, documentation and preservation were linked parts of that programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b7407db&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b7407db\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1011\" height=\"817\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388.jpg\" alt=\"Persepolis Guide: Explore Iran\u2019s Iconic UNESCO Site\" class=\"wp-image-60033\" title=\"Persepolis Travel Guide\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388.jpg 1011w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388-780x630.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388-768x621.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388-582x470.jpg 582w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/image-388-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1011px) 100vw, 1011px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alexander Nagel working on his PhD research titled &#8220;Colors, Gilding, and Painted Motifs in Persepolis: Understanding the Polychromy of Achaemenid Persian Architectural Sculpture (c. 520-330 BCE).&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Herzfeld directed the University of Chicago expedition before Erich Schmidt succeeded him. An inscription naming Xerxes helps establish royal building activity; it does not, by itself, prove that a building housed a queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Schmidt\u2019s excavations ran from <strong>1935 to 1939<\/strong>. His <a href=\"https:\/\/isac.uchicago.edu\/publications\/persepolis-ii-treasury-and-other-discoveries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Persepolis II<\/em><\/a> reports finds from the Treasury and other parts of the site. The publisher\u2019s contents list includes studies of pottery, glass, metals, pigments and charred textiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aeb77b740cd5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aeb77b740cd5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"924\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles.jpg\" alt=\"Erich Schmidt With Georges Miles\" class=\"wp-image-60034\" title=\"Erich Schmidt With Georges Miles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles-780x563.jpg 780w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles-768x554.jpg 768w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles-1024x739.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles-651x470.jpg 651w, https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Erich-Schmidt-with-Georges-Miles-300x217.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Erich Schmidt and Georges Miles at Ray (Rhey), 1933\u20131934. Photograph: Annemarie Schwarzenbach, Swiss National Library. <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:CH-NB_-_Persien,_Rhey_(Rhages,_Ray,_Sahr-e_Ray)-_Portr%C3%A4t_-_Annemarie_Schwarzenbach_-_SLA-Schwarzenbach-A-5-04-050.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Archive image<\/a>, marked as public domain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These excavation publications provide evidence for recovered objects and materials. They should be distinguished from a current museum display list or a claim that every surviving feature has been reconstructed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/achaemenid-empire\/\">The Achaemenid Empire: Foundations of Imperial Governance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/naqsh-e-rostam\/\">Naqsh-e Rostam: Persia&#8217;s Ancient Necropolis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/\">What Is the Significance of Persepolis?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/persepolis\/\">12-Meter Gate of Persepolis: Ancient Grandeur Unearthed in 12 Years<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/shiraz-travel-guide\/\">Shiraz&#8217;s Top 10 Must-See Attractions<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the grandeur of Persepolis in Shiraz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an exhaustive guide to its storied past and enduring wonders.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":60013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15738,308,305,15715],"tags":[16355,16704,16491,16705,16566,7500,16702,5354,16703],"class_list":["post-12852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shiraz","category-destinations","category-how-to","category-to-see","tag-achaemenid","tag-darius","tag-persepolis","tag-persepolis-guide","tag-persian-history","tag-shiraz","tag-takht-e-jamshid","tag-unesco","tag-unesco-sites"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/Persepolis-Takht-e-Jamshid-Shiraz-22.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12852"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":202952,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12852\/revisions\/202952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surfiran.com\/mag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}