Introduction
Pasargadae was the first capital and royal residential city of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. Located near the modern town of Morghab in the Fars province of Iran, Pasargadae represents the birthplace of the Persian Empire.
With its palaces, gardens, pavilions and mausoleum, Pasargadae provides invaluable insights into the origin of Achaemenid art, architecture and culture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, this historical place stands today as an enduring reminder of the dynasty founded by Cyrus the Great.
Founding by Cyrus the Great
Pasargadae was established by Cyrus the Great around 546 BCE shortly after he unified the Medes and the Persians to form the Achaemenid Empire. After conquering Babylon in 539 BCE, Cyrus spent his final years at Pasargadae building palaces and gardens.
Motivations
Cyrus chose the isolated site in his tribal homeland to mark the new empire’s origins. Being closer to Persia proper helped Cyrus stay connected to his Persian roots.
Layout
Pasargadae was laid out with meticulous symmetry. The palaces were planned within lush paradise gardens watered using an ingenious system of channels. The city featured a natural citadel for defense.
Meaning
The name Pasargadae is thought to derive from an Old Persian term meaning “camp of Persia” denoting its status as the first Persian imperial capital.
Key Structures
Several monumental structures built by Cyrus still stand at Pasargadae today giving insights into Achaemenid architectural and artistic traditions.
The Tomb of Cyrus
The most iconic monument at this historical place is the towering tomb of Cyrus the Great himself. This tomb introduced several innovations that became trademarks of subsequent Achaemenid tomb designs.
The tomb consists of a rectangular stone base surmounted by a gabled stone roof resembling a Persian house. The simple yet stately mausoleum reflects Cyrus’ wishes to be buried in his homeland.
The Private Palaces
Next to the citadel stood one of Cyrus’ several private palaces in this ancient place referred to today as Palace P. Built on an elevated stone platform, it featured porticoes, living quarters and a square central hall. Fragments of wall paintings displaying a fusion of Assyrian, Egyptian and Greek styles have been found.
The Audience Hall / Throne Hall
To the north was a large audience hall dubbed Palace S thought to be Cyrus’ imperial throne room. This colonnaded hall had an unusual asymmetric design with a southern portico and four central pillars. It exemplified early Achaemenid architectural style.
The Tall-e Takht
Northeast of Cyrus’ tomb once stood an imposing structure on a high foundation measuring 60 x 60 meters dubbed Tall-e Takht. It is believed to have been an important early Persian temple.
The Prison of Solomon
A peculiar ruined structure bearing no relation to Solomon is traditionally known as the Prison of Solomon. With three open halls and six heavy stone columns, its true purpose remains unknown.
Pasargadae After Cyrus
After the death of Cyrus in 530 BCE, Pasargadae remained politically important but declined as later kings moved capitals to Susa and Persepolis. Nonetheless, Achaemenid royals and functionaries continued using Pasargadae’s palaces and gardens sporadically.
Tomb Additions
Cambyses II added a monumental stone doorway to his father’s tomb while Darius I carved his own inscriptions extolling Cyrus. Alexander paid homage at the tomb when he conquered Persia.
Later Occupation
In the 4th century BCE, Persian Ilkhanid nobles built a palace within Cyrus’ private gardens. The citadel saw occasional occupation until the 11th century CE before being abandoned.
Gradual Decay
Without constant royal patronage, Pasargadae’s palaces and structures fell into gradual decay over the centuries ultimately becoming lost ruins.
Rediscovery
After being largely forgotten for over a millennium, this historical location was rediscovered by European archaeologists in the 19th century sparking renewed interest.
Early Explorers
The first European travels to the area were by British and French explorers in the early 1800s curbed by local hostilities.
Major Expeditions
Systematic excavations and surveys only began in the late 1890s under French archaeologist Marcel Dieulafoy who documented remains of palaces, gardens and the citadel. More extensive excavations by German and Iranian teams followed over the 20th century.
Revelation of Pasargadae’s Significance
These excavations confirmed the identity of Pasargadae and dated its structures conclusively to Cyrus’ era in the 6th century BCE highlighting its immense significance as the progenitor of the Achaemenid dynasty.
Outstanding Features of Pasargadae
Certain unique features make Pasargadae a seminal site in ancient world history.
First Imperial Capital
As the first imperial capital of the Persian Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus, Pasargadae represents a pivotal development marking the transition from regional kingdom to widespread empire.
Early Architecture
With its columned halls, porticoes, palatial complexes and mausoleum, the ancient place contains the earliest known examples of iconic Achaemenid architecture that later evolved into the grandeur of Susa and Persepolis.
Epic Persian Gardens
The terraced paradise gardens at Pasargadae served as the forebear of the opulent royal gardens that became a signature feature of later Achaemenid palaces and cities.
Revered Cyrus Tomb
The tomb of Cyrus at Pasargadae is the most enduring monument tied directly to the empire’s founder. Its unique design set the standard for subsequent Achaemenid rock-cut tombs.
Pasargadae Today
Thanks to archaeological excavations, this historical place has reclaimed its place as one of the most precious sites of the ancient Persian empire. Various initiatives by the Iranian government have helped preserve and protect the ruins at this historical location.
The majestic tomb of Cyrus continues to be revered today with locals leaving shreds of clothing on its walls in keeping with ancient traditions. Pasargadae remains a powerful reminder of the empire founded by the enlightened conqueror Cyrus the Great.
Conclusion
With its palace gardens, royal pavilions and the iconic tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae provides incredible insights into the dynamic origins of the mighty Persian Achaemenid Empire. As the first imperial capital of Cyrus, it represents a critical junction in ancient civilizations. Pasargadae’s rediscovery has significantly expanded our understanding of Achaemenid art, culture and architecture.
