Persepolis, located in present-day Iran, was founded by King Darius I around 518 BC as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire.
At its height, especially around 480 BC, it symbolized the empire’s immense wealth, artistry, and power, with monumental palaces, grand stairways, and intricate reliefs depicting tribute bearers from across the known world. The structures, decorated with towering columns and vibrant carvings, reflected a vision of unity under Persian rule.
.
However, in 330 BC, Persepolis was looted and burned by Alexander the Great, marking the decline of its glory. Today, in 2023, only majestic ruins remain—rows of stone columns, gateways, and scattered foundations—that continue to inspire awe.
Persepolis is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as both a reminder of ancient splendor and the fragility of human achievement before the tides of history.
.
