-1 101 Z Persepolis was a capital and ceremonial city of the kings Darius I and Xerxes I. It is situated on the edge of a fertile plain in southern Iran, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Pasargadae. Much of it was destroyed in the fire caused by the drunken troops of Alexander the Great's army in 330 BC.
#Persepolis
12 101 X At the heart of Persepolis was a high stone terrace supporting a number of buildings. Many of these may have been used only on ceremonial occasions, particularly the New Year Festival (at the end of March), while the residential palaces of the kings and a substantial city covered the surrounding plains.
#Persepolis, model of the Terrace and its structures
2 101 X A huge double stairway which could be ascended by mounted horsemen gave access to the terrace.
#Stariway, Stairway
1 101 X Just above the stairway was the Gate of All Nations, which is sometimes called Xerxes gate. It had a throne with a footstool, and black and white benches for visitors to sit on. It was guarded by a pair of colossal winged and human-headed bulls and was inscribed by Xerxes.
#Gate, Gate of all the nations
5 101 X The Apadana was the great audience hall, the largest building on the terrace. Began by Darius and finished by Xerxes, it measured 400 ft (120 m) square. It is estimated that the Apadana could hold up to 10,000 people.
#Apadana, Reconstruction of exterior of Apadana
4 102 M Inside the Apadana stood 72 columns measuring 62 ft (19 m) high and capped with capitals in the form of pairs of bulls. They supported a wooden ceiling that was brightly painted. The walls were probably covered with rich hangings.
#Apadana columns, Reconstruction of interior of Apadana showing columns
3 101 x The most impressive surviving feature of the Apadana is the staircase with its relief carvings. Each stair is 275 ft (85 m) long and the reliefs on them depict many different scenes from life within the palace. Most interesting are the tribute reliefs showing representatives from throughout the Persian Empire bringing gifts to the king
#Apadana Stair, Detail of staircase - optional (this image also used for IW Tribute Reliefs)
6 102 H The central building or 'tripylon' was a triple-chambered building used as either a council chamber or a banqueting hall. Its central position served as a gateway between the public and private sections of the terrace. The supreme god, Ahura Mazda, is pictured on the east door.
#Tripylon Stair, Detail of Ahura Mazda from east door of Tripylon
9 101 X This palace was begun by Darius but completed by Xerxes. Its stairway reliefs show banqueting scenes reflecting the activities which took place here. The architecture and sculptures of Persepolis are generally Persian in style, though Assyrian, Egyptian, Babylonian and Greek elements can be seen.
#Darius’ palace, Relief of servants bringing food, Darius' palace.
34 101 X The whole south-east corner of the terrace was taken up by a complex of storerooms housing the imperial treasury. This was the monetary storehouse of the empire and was eagerly plundered by Alexander the Great and his soldiers in 330 BC.
#Treasury, Treasury relief - optional
33 101 X Opinions are divided on the function of these rooms. They might have been storehouses or have served as guest houses for high officials. On the other hand, they may have housed the king's many wives.
#Harem
10 101 X Xerxes' palace is located at the highest level of the terrace and probably served as a royal banqueting hall.
#Xerxes’ palace
11 101 X The palace of Artaxerxes I, grandson of Darius, was decorated with relief pictures in black limestone representing delegations to the king.
#Palace of Artaxerxes
32 101 X This large hall may have been Xerxes' throne room and audience chamber. It had 100 slender stone columns, a roof supported by cedar beams and entrances carved with reliefs. Stables lay beside it. North of the hall were an unfinished gate and a large open court which may have served as a parade ground.
