Persepolis the ancient city of art and architecture is among the greatest work of art history in the world. But why this almost ruined site is important? The story of Persians and their glorious kingdom lies among the stones of this amazing historical site.In other words, It is not only thousands years old monument but also a treasury of Iranian history. These ruins used to be the capital of Iranians almost 2500 years ago. Its name is a combination of two Greek words. Perse and Polis which means the city of Persians.
In the following text you will read more about:
- Persepolis meaning
- The history of Parsepolis
- Persepolis location
- The instruction and end of Parsepolis
Persepolis history
It represents the acropolis of the city of Parsa. The time of building Persepolis date back to 515 BC. Daruis the great started the construction.after his death his sons and grand children continued expanding the palaces. Apadana palace was the most beautiful and important ones among all those. There were many nations who were ruled by the Iranian king. They brought glorious gifts to the king each year in the time of Nowrouz. Norouz is the new year celebration of Iranians since those ancient times. We can still see the bas-reliefs of 29 nations bringing different gifts to the king in Apadana palace. In other words, its ruins stand as an important witness to the glory of the past. Also During the Islamic period many kings visited Persepolis. Some of them left inscriptions on the walls.
Where is Persepolis?
Persepolis is 60 Km northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars province in Iran. It measures about 125,000 square meters. Persepolis is built on a huge platform on the hillside of Rahmat mountain. Rahmat means kindness and people knew it as a holy mountain which also had a strategic location. At that time the region that now is Fars province was the heart of Achaemenid empire. On the way from Shiraz to Isfahan you reach to vast plain. This is where you can see the amazing Persepolis .
How Persians Built Persepolis?
This great complex is made on a rocky base project in the Marvdasht plain. It gives the terrace the shape of a rectangle. Most importantly, there is an inscription which clearly states that there was no structure in this place before. Firstly, 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 an filling. At this stage they build an underground water channel system. Then they built the defense system and great walls. Then the ancient architects built the great stairway and main entrance. Similarly, other kings ordered to build palaces and structures in the complex.
The Great City of Persians on Fire
While attacking Persian empire Alexander the great sent his army to Persepolis. However Iranian army endured the attack for 30 days, Greek troops finally entered Persepolis. Historical records show that a fire burned all the palaces. Maybe it started from the palace of Xerxes. Alexander the great burned the glorious complex as the result of his attack to Persia. Although Persepolis was a ruin city, it remained important in later eras.
