Introduction
Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid (Throne of Jamshid), was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire founded by Darius I in around 518 BCE. It is located in the plains of Marv Dasht about 70 km northeast of the modern city of Shiraz in the Fars Province of Iran.
Built over a period of 150 years, Persepolis was the hub of ceremony and pageantry for the Achaemenid kings. Its monumental architecture, lavish details and ornate reliefs leave no doubt as to the wealth and power of ancient Persia. Although it was burned and plundered by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE, the remaining ruins still manage to reflect the former glory of the Persian Empire.
Persepolis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is today one of Iran’s major tourist attractions.
Early Construction Under Darius I
The Platform
Darius I ordered the construction of Persepolis on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace initially measuring around 300 x 400 meters. This platform, made out of enormous blocks of limestone, was held together and strengthened by metal brackets.
Ramps on the northern and eastern sides provided access to the upper terrace. A pair of massive staircases named the Persepolitan Staircases were carved out of the terrain on the western and northern sides. These staircases featured 111 shallow steps gently rising up to the top platform.
The Apadana
The first structure built on the terrace was the massive Apadana hall started by Darius in 518 BCE and completed by his son Xerxes in 515 BCE. This grand hall was the largest building on the terrace, covering an area of 109 x 109 meters.
The Apadana was accessible by the ornately decorated Persepolitan Staircase on the western side. The staircase was flanked by sculptures of elaborate processions of guards, courtiers and gift-bearing dignitaries from across the empire.
The Apadana itself was a huge hypostyle hall with 72 columns, 13 of which still stand today. The columns were decorated with elaborately carved bulls and flowers. The roof is believed to have been around 24 meters high.
The Palaces
In addition to the Apadana, Darius also constructed a grand palace for himself and his family on the terrace, the complex known as the Imperial Treasury and Living Quarters. He lived to see parts of the palace completed, including the Tripylon (triple-gate) which served as the entrance.
Xerxes Completes Persepolis
Darius’ son Xerxes I ascended the throne around 486 BCE and continued expanding the work started by his father. He completed the Apadana and constructed his own larger palace, twice the size of his father’s. Xerxes’ palace was built using limestone, cedar and gold and was known for its stairways, large gates and striking reliefs.
The Hall of 100 Columns
Xerxes built the second largest structure on the terrace – the Hall of 100 Columns, measuring 70 x 70 meters with 100 columns, 10 rows deep on each side. This columned hall served as an armory storing Achaemenid arms as well as a chariot house for the armies.
The Gate of All Nations
Xerxes also constructed a monumental gateway in the eastern side of the platform. This imposing gateway guarded the entrance to the terrace and led visitors to the Apadana and the Throne Hall.
Known today as the Gate of All Nations, this 13 meter high gateway featured enormous panels carved with processions of guards and dignitaries from all over the empire bringing gifts.
The Throne Hall
Next to the Apadana stood an open air hall, completed by Xerxes, which served as the throne room and main reception hall. This 8-pillared building, known as the Throne Hall or the Hall of 100 Columns, contained the famed Peacock Throne of the Persian king and his council chambers.
Later Construction Under Artaxerxes I, III and II
While less grandiose than the early Achaemenids, the later kings Artaxerxes I, III and II also added some structures to Persepolis in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
The Imperial Treasury
Artaxerxes I constructed a new palace behind the Apadana which came to be known as the Imperial Treasury. It was used mainly as a storage house to keep royal treasures, records and ceremonial weapons.
The Hall of 32 Columns
Built during the reign of either Artaxerxes II or Artaxerxes III, the Hall of 32 Columns was a more modest structure compared to earlier grand halls. It consisted of two rows of 16 stone columns representing various tributaries of the empire.
The Royal Tombs
The later Achaemenid kings beginning with Artaxerxes II constructed rock tombs for themselves and their families behind Persepolis. The tombs were carved into the mountain face and featured ornate entrances and chambers inside.
The Magnificence of Persepolis
At the height of its glory around 480 – 330 BCE, Persepolis was truly a sight to behold. The grand terraces and palaces with ornate details embodied the power and majesty of the thriving Persian empire.
Lavish Ornamentation
Persepolis was lavishly ornamented with a variety of Persian art forms. The palaces and halls featured elaborate carvings, engravings, enamelling, gilding, inlays and sculptures. Common motifs included the lotus flower, winged griffins, mythical beasts as well as humans and animals from across the empire.
Impressive Reliefs
The stone staircases and gateways were adorned with striking relief carvings in tribute to the king and the empire. The reliefs depicted guards, courtiers, tributaries and gifts representing all corners of the kingdom from India to Nubia to Anatolia. This showcased the extent and diversity of the domains under Achaemenid rule.
Grand Architecture
Persepolis featured massive hypostyle halls supported by huge stone columns, impressive stairways flanked by sculptures, lofty gateways and porticoes, and tall towers. The scale, symmetry and detailed relief work of the palaces and structures highlighted Persian architecture at its finest.
Decline and Destruction
The glorious period of Persepolis came to an abrupt end in 330 BCE when Alexander the Great conquered the Persian capital Susa and marched to Persepolis, burning and plundering the royal palaces in revenge. While not fully destroying the entire complex, the great fire caused extensive damage from which Persepolis never recovered.
In subsequent years, earthquakes and erosion crumbled many structures while other material was removed for use in nearby settlements. Persepolis faded from prominence and was gradually forgotten.
It was not until the excavations in the 1930s that many of the remaining structures and reliefs were uncovered and the magnificence of Persepolis began to be appreciated once more.
Conclusion
Built to embody the majesty, might and diversity of the Achaemenid Persian empire, Persepolis showcases a high point of ancient civilization. The scale and intricate details of its palaces, halls, stairways and gateways are a testament to the empire’s power and wealth.
Although ravaged by Alexander and time, the uncovered ruins of Persepolis offer a fascinating glimpse into the ceremonial heart of the greatest empire of the ancient world. The site continues to be an awe-inspiring monument to the incredible accomplishments of the Persian Achaemenids.
