Persepolis, a Symbol of Beauty and Grandeur--Part 11
April 7, 1999 - 0:0
TEHRAN In the expanse of a widespread plain, 75 kilometers from Shiraz, rests the compound of Takht-e Jamshid (Persepolis). Takht-e Jamshid is one of the greatest symbols of civilization in the Orient, remaining from ancient times. It is reminiscent of the glorious time of the Achaemenid kings. The huge compound representing the greatness, beauty and power of an old civilization was built by the master craftsmen of Iran. In every location of this graceful place, one can see different inscriptions which praise Ahuarmazda, gives a description of the Genesis, the Earth, Heaven, Men, and Fames, specifications and pedigrees of Achaemenid kings as well as the buildings.
The inscriptions are in three languages: old Persian, Bobylonian and Ilamite and display the fusion of cultures and civilizations which spiritually dominated a corner of this land at that time. When Norouz (new year) arrived, Takht-e Jamshid was the place for holding new year celebrations and official ceremonies. The splendor and glory of Takht-e Jamshid exhibits the grandeur of the Achaemenids summer capital in the eyes of visitors.
Takht-e Jamshid compound is an area 450 meters high, surrounded by a fortified wall. Standing in the northwestern corner of Takht-e Jamshid, one sees a 110-step stairway on each side, which are the entrance to the area. one can still imagine the ancient time and hear the sound of the trotting horses which carried the guests and representatives of different nations to the palace.
These two stairways lead to the Xerxes Gate or the Nations Gate, which has three doorways, each, 11-meter high facing the east, the west and the south. Passing through the southern doorway, you will enter a large hall which was a place for the reception of the public. It is a large rectangular building with 36 columns. Passing along the two northern and eastern stairways of Apadana, one can witness embossed reliefs of the then tax payers coming from different territories which were under the domination of the achaemenids.
The Talar-e Shora or the assembly hall is situated in the southeastern corner of the Apadana Palace and its stairway is decorated with beautiful and innovative embossed designs. Another beautiful part of Takht-e Jamshid is the Palace of Darius which is Known as Tachar. This palace has beautiful halls with decorated doorways and even the remains of the hall reflected the glory of the Ayeneh (mirror) Palace. The Palace of Xerxes is located in the south of Takht-e Jamshid and is similar to Tachar but has a balcony overlooking the plain and stairway leading to the Haram which has similar buildings; they are beautifully decorated.
The group of palaces along with the king's treasury which include several uniform halls occupy the southern part of the area. The Palace of Xerxes or the Sad Sotoon Palace (meaning the palace of 100 pillars) is in the northeastern corner of the area. This palace has a huge facade and many decorations but today only the foundations of its pillars remain.
In the south, close to Takht-e Jamshid you can visit the grave of Darius the third, the greatest Achaemenid king.
The inscriptions are in three languages: old Persian, Bobylonian and Ilamite and display the fusion of cultures and civilizations which spiritually dominated a corner of this land at that time. When Norouz (new year) arrived, Takht-e Jamshid was the place for holding new year celebrations and official ceremonies. The splendor and glory of Takht-e Jamshid exhibits the grandeur of the Achaemenids summer capital in the eyes of visitors.
Takht-e Jamshid compound is an area 450 meters high, surrounded by a fortified wall. Standing in the northwestern corner of Takht-e Jamshid, one sees a 110-step stairway on each side, which are the entrance to the area. one can still imagine the ancient time and hear the sound of the trotting horses which carried the guests and representatives of different nations to the palace.
These two stairways lead to the Xerxes Gate or the Nations Gate, which has three doorways, each, 11-meter high facing the east, the west and the south. Passing through the southern doorway, you will enter a large hall which was a place for the reception of the public. It is a large rectangular building with 36 columns. Passing along the two northern and eastern stairways of Apadana, one can witness embossed reliefs of the then tax payers coming from different territories which were under the domination of the achaemenids.
The Talar-e Shora or the assembly hall is situated in the southeastern corner of the Apadana Palace and its stairway is decorated with beautiful and innovative embossed designs. Another beautiful part of Takht-e Jamshid is the Palace of Darius which is Known as Tachar. This palace has beautiful halls with decorated doorways and even the remains of the hall reflected the glory of the Ayeneh (mirror) Palace. The Palace of Xerxes is located in the south of Takht-e Jamshid and is similar to Tachar but has a balcony overlooking the plain and stairway leading to the Haram which has similar buildings; they are beautifully decorated.
The group of palaces along with the king's treasury which include several uniform halls occupy the southern part of the area. The Palace of Xerxes or the Sad Sotoon Palace (meaning the palace of 100 pillars) is in the northeastern corner of the area. This palace has a huge facade and many decorations but today only the foundations of its pillars remain.
In the south, close to Takht-e Jamshid you can visit the grave of Darius the third, the greatest Achaemenid king.