The ruins at Pasargadae reveal the architectural grandeur of an ancient Persian civilization.
Pasargadae is said to have been the first great multicultural empire in all of Western Asia spanning from the Balkans and Eastern Europe in the west, to the Indus valley in the east. Its multicultural richness is reflected in its diverse architecture. The remains of a “Tall-e Takht” (fortified terrace), an audience hall, and the capital’s palaces can be seen throughout this once ornate but now crumbling city.
Pasargadae was founded in the 6th century by Cyrus the Great and was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The name Pasargadae is derived from the chief Persian tribe, Pasargadae (or Parsagadeh), which translates to the “Throne of Pars.” Cyrus himself chose the site for his tomb outside of this great city because one of his most important battles against Astyages the Mede took place there. …show more content…
In present day Fars, Iran, this monument stands almost completely intact after more than two millennia! The tomb is solidly built and has a fairly simple design. The base of the tomb is constructed out of rectangular-cut stone with huge white limestone blocks on the sides. The tomb has six steps leading to the sepulchre and has a very small entrance. The gabled tomb chamber measures 3.17m long by 2.11m wide and has a height of 2.11m; it is said to have contained spectacular riches. Ancient records reveal that Alexander the Great’s men found a “golden sarcophagus” that contained Cyrus’ body, ornaments containing precious stones, a table set with drinking vessels, and an inscription inside the tomb. According to the Greek philosopher and historian, Strabo (64 BCE - 24 CE), the inscription
Pasargadae is said to have been the first great multicultural empire in all of Western Asia spanning from the Balkans and Eastern Europe in the west, to the Indus valley in the east. Its multicultural richness is reflected in its diverse architecture. The remains of a “Tall-e Takht” (fortified terrace), an audience hall, and the capital’s palaces can be seen throughout this once ornate but now crumbling city.
Pasargadae was founded in the 6th century by Cyrus the Great and was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The name Pasargadae is derived from the chief Persian tribe, Pasargadae (or Parsagadeh), which translates to the “Throne of Pars.” Cyrus himself chose the site for his tomb outside of this great city because one of his most important battles against Astyages the Mede took place there. …show more content…
In present day Fars, Iran, this monument stands almost completely intact after more than two millennia! The tomb is solidly built and has a fairly simple design. The base of the tomb is constructed out of rectangular-cut stone with huge white limestone blocks on the sides. The tomb has six steps leading to the sepulchre and has a very small entrance. The gabled tomb chamber measures 3.17m long by 2.11m wide and has a height of 2.11m; it is said to have contained spectacular riches. Ancient records reveal that Alexander the Great’s men found a “golden sarcophagus” that contained Cyrus’ body, ornaments containing precious stones, a table set with drinking vessels, and an inscription inside the tomb. According to the Greek philosopher and historian, Strabo (64 BCE - 24 CE), the inscription