Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Persian empire from the late 6th century BCE until it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE. Construction began under Darius the Great and was continued by each successive ruler.
Every year at the feast of Nowruz, Persian New Year, celebrated at the vernal equinox, the leaders of all the client kingdoms (as many as 28) were required to appear and present their annual tributes to the emperor.
The 1st picture is an overview of the complex taken from a tomb site above the city shown in pictures 2&3.
The 4th and 5th pictures are from outside the walls and give a sense of the extent of the site.
The 6th picture is the Gate of All Nations where those bringing tribute entered. The 7th is a detail of a Lamassu (a winged creature with a human head and the body of a bull or lion) on one side of the gate. The next 2 pictures look across the site to the Apadana Palace where tributes were presented. Pictures 10&11 are along the access ramp to the ceremonial palace. Each client Nation is represented in carvings all along the wall showing their national character and their tribute.
The 12th picture is of a mostly undamaged griffin sculpture. This was found buried at the site, suggesting that it was never installed so Alexander didn't find it to destroy it.
The 13th picture is of the Treasury building where the tributes were kept and the empire was financed. While hard to see, this is about the largest building here.
The 14th picture is of a lion killing a bull. This is evidence that this site is connected to Nowruz as the lion is a symbol of the new year while the bull is a symbol of the old year.
The rest of the pictures are examples of what the rest of the site is like. It is most impressive.Meer informatie