Persepolis: Jewel of the Achaemenid Empire

In this installment of ‘Cradles of Civilizations: Ancient Ruins Across Millennia,’ we navigate the remains of ancient Persia’s capital city.

Panoramic view of the ancient remains of Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The site chosen was called the Plain of Persepolis (known today as the Marvdasht Plain)—a remote but fertile plain crossed by two rivers in an arid mountain region. Specifically, it is situated at the foot of a mountain called Kuh-e Rahmat, which means “Mountain of Mercy.” Poliorketes/Shutterstock

At least 500 years before the birth of Christ, a city of luxurious palaces and gardens set upon tall terraces emerged. It became the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, founded by the legendary Cyrus the Great.

Overseeing an exceptionally rich kingdom of a couple million square miles stretching from India to the Mediterranean Sea, Darius I—when he became king in 522 B.C.—desired a monumental royal residence. Thus, in 518 B.C. he embarked on the construction of Persepolis. It would become a visual representation of his importance and power, as well as for successive kings.