The city of Persepolis is located about 60 kilometers northeast of the modern city of Shiraz, on a plain at the foot of the Zagros Mountains in southern Iran. Persepolis is an impressive testimony to the grandeur and sophistication of the Persian Empire, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history, culture and archaeology of the Achaemenid Dynasty.

The construction of Persepolis began in the 6th century BC during the reign of Darius I and continued during the reigns of Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I. The Achaemenid kings built a series of monumental structures at Persepolis, including palaces, throne rooms, temples and gardens, developing a large palace complex.

Although the Persians did not have their own architectural style, being a semi-nomadic people, it was from Cyrus II, in the 6th century BC, that the Empire was endowed with monumental constructions. Initially its structures were inspired by the conquered peoples, to the point that the Achaemenid architects integrated all these influences to create a totally original art. Nevertheless, Achaemenid Persian architecture is marked by a strong Ionian Greek influence, very noticeable in the hypostyle halls and porticoes of the palaces of Persepolis.

In addition to the clear Greek influence, Persian architecture was also nourished by an Egyptian Pharaonic style, represented in the supports of the cornices that protrude from the doors or in the origin of the capitals. On the other hand, the influence of Mesopotamia is also very present, both in the distribution of spaces and in the ornamentation. Examples of this are the motifs of palmettes or floral rosettes that decorate reliefs and palaces, or in the jagged merlons that recall the shape of ziggurats, and that adorn the staircases of the palaces. Other clearly Mesopotamian, Babylonian and Assyrian decorative elements are the enameled and polychrome reliefs and the winged bull-men on the gates.

The structures were impressive and decorated with carved reliefs in stone and glazed pottery. The reliefs depict scenes from the life of the Achaemenid kings, religious ceremonies and military conquests. There are also a large number of cuneiform inscriptions that provide valuable information about the history and culture of the Persian Empire.

The palace complex of Persepolis stands on a large terrace of about 13 hectares, divided into areas according to occupation and importance. From the quarters of the nobles, the service and the administration to the royal quarters. The organization of the buildings follows a rigorously orthogonal or hypodynamic plan. The site has an impressive variety of important buildings and structures.

Highlights include the Apadana, a ceremonial palace with 36 columns and reliefs depicting the different nations of the Persian Empire; the Tachara, a three-story royal palace with walls adorned with sculpted friezes and carved wooden doors; the Palace of the Hundred Columns, a huge hall supported by 100 beautifully carved columns; and the Gate of All Nations, a monumental marble entrance that gave access to the citadel. In addition, Persepolis has a wealth of other buildings, terraces and structures that make this place an archaeological jewel of ancient Persia.

Unfortunately, Persepolis was sacked and burned by Alexander the Great and was never rebuilt. The city lay in ruins for many centuries and was rediscovered in the 17th century by European travelers, although it was already known in the 13th century by the Sassanids. Archaeological excavations began in the 19th century and have been carried out for more than a century, uncovering more and more information about the history and culture of the Persian Empire. Since 1979 it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Persepolis is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Iran and a major tourist attraction. The site is very well preserved and many of the original monumental structures can be seen, including the palaces, temples and throne rooms. Reliefs carved in stone and glazed pottery have also been preserved and can be seen throughout the city.

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