The ancient city of Persepolis

 

 

Persepolis
Persepolis, the ancient city of Darius the Great was one of the highlights of our journey through Iran. We arrived in Persepolis late one afternoon and slept in the car in front of the site. Early next morning, we visited the site before most local and foreign tourists. Most of the buildings have gone. The few remaining columns and a little imagination however are sufficient to give you an idea of the splendour of the city.

 

 
The most striking aspect of the ancient city are the many bas-reliefs. Most remaining stones are covered with these sculptures depicting many aspects of life at that time. One particular wall depicts all the different nationals of the time paying their respect and bringing gifts to the Great Persian leader. 

 

Bas relief's of people walking up the stairs ! (centre)

 

   

 

We also found this other peculiar bas-relief !

 
Here are a few more pictures we hope you won't mind.

   

 

   

 

 
Only a few km from Persepolis are the tombs of several people Christian used to read about whilst at school : Darius, Xerxes and Artaxerxes ! These are built within a mountain flank and sculpted in a way that made us think of Mount Rushmore in the States.

 

 
Over the years, Persepolis has seen many visitors. Several of them could not resist putting their names down on the old stones. Here is a small selection :

 

 

 

We are doing well !
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