Tour Guide, Shiraz, Iran
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Persepolis, the ancient city of art and architecture, is among the most significant work of the ancient world. But why this almost ruined construction is so revered? Persepolis is not only an Achaemenid monument but also a treasury of Iranian history.
The History of Persepolis City
Persepolis represents the acropolis of the city of Parsa. It was the national center of Persian kings of the Achaemenid dynasty. The time of its construction is estimated to be late 6th and early 5th century BC. Darius the Great started the construction, and his successors continued completing Persepolis. Even in ruins, this city stands as an important doorway into the glory of the past. Alexander the Great burned the glorious complex as the result of his attack on Persia. Although Persepolis was a ruin, it remained important in later eras. During the Islamic period, many kings visited the site and left inscriptions on its walls.
Where is Persepolis located?
Persepolis is 60 Km northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars province. It measures about 125,000 square meters on the hillside of Rahmat mountain. At the time, the region that now is Fras province was the heart of the Achaemenid empire. On the way from Shiraz to Isfahan in a northwesterly direction, you reach the vast plain of Marvdasht. This is where you can see the fantastic Persepolis.
How Achaemenids built and constructed Persepolis?
Persepolis and its rocky base were projected into the Marvdasht plain. It gives the terrace roughly the shape of a rectangle. The inscription, which is famous as Foundation Records of Darius, clearly states that there was no structure in this place before Persepolis. First of all, they had to prepare this large platform as a terrace. This was a foundation for various palaces. The terrace became ready after years of cutting and filling. At this stage, they built an ingenious underground water channel system. Then the fortification and high walls were built. Consecutively, the ancient architects made the grand stairway and main entrance. Similarly, other Achaemenid kings ordered to build palaces and structures in Persepolis.
How was Persepolis destroyed?
While attacking the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great sent his army to Persepolis. The Iranian military endured the attack for 30 days, but eventually, Greek troops entered Persepolis. Historical records show that fire burnt down Persepolis palaces. Maybe it started from the palace of Xerxes.