Persepolis

Persepol – is the oldest city in Iran, which is located 80 km from Pasargad. This attraction is presented to tourists in the form of ruins, but its archaeological value is very significant. Persepol is the most popular among travelers in the entire Eastern region. This ancient city is protected by UNESCO.

Persepol, located above the Merv-Desht Valley, was once protected by a special triple fortification, which included powerful walls with towers passing along the mountain line. The most important buildings of the city were erected by Darius the Great, as well as his receivers, in about 520-515 BC. They had the shape of a rectangle and were located on a platform specially constructed by the ruler.

On one side of the platform came a staircase that served to pass to the plain. Above it were built the Kserks Gate, near which, like guards, there were two large stone bulls. Such sculptures in the form of a bull were an integral part of a small number of palaces of that time throughout Assyria.

Here you can also observe the ruins of the main hall, which is known as apadan. It was also started by Darius I, and Kserks completed it. Apadan towered on the platform, where special stairs from different parts of the world were brought. They were generously decorated with various reliefs that were saved on the east side of one of the stairs.

Apadan is presented in the form of a huge ceremonial hall, which was surrounded by the vestibules. Its roof was most likely covered with wood and from different sides fixed with strong columns with stone, which numbered about 72. Of the total number of columns, only 13 have been preserved by our time.

Near the Apapan there was a palace called Tahara, the decoration of which was served by various embossed images. An inscription has been preserved on the palace itself, which confirms that this building was erected by King Darius.

Somewhere in the middle of the terrace was located, the so-called Tripilon, which was a ceremonial hall in all of Persepol. It is also decorated with various reliefs, among which you can see the king himself on the throne.

The next room, which also attracts considerable attention, is « one hundred columns », which actually numbered one hundred columns on which the entire structure relied. At its entrance were sculptures of stone bulls. The gates that were at the northern portico contained whole scenes from royal life.

Among all the palaces and other structures, tombs cut down among the rocks, which were intended for all Persian kings, also attract attention. Of particular interest to tourists is the tomb of one of the last kings of Persia, who tried to escape from the battlefield, but was shot dead by his own national. His tomb was never finished, and the ruler’s body itself was buried in a completely different place.

Persepol is in a hurry to see many tourists who are not indifferent to the past of the Iranian city. You can get here using a sightseeing bus or your own move from the nearest city of Shiraz, which is located 60 km from this attraction.