The 2,500-year celebration of the Persian Empire was held at Persepolis and Pasargadae. Leaders and representatives from over 60 countries attended the ceremonies.
Fun Facts
The Shah spoke at Cyrus's tomb: "Sleep in peace, Cyrus, for we are awake!" Luxury tents were designed by Jansen of France, and food was catered by Maxim's of Paris. The cost was controversial—estimates ranged from $17 million to $200 million. Emperor Haile Selassie, Prince Philip, and Imelda Marcos were among the guests.
Related Events
Construction of Persepolis
Darius I ordered construction of "Parsa" (Persepolis) on the slopes of Mount Rahmat. Built on a 125,000 m² stone terrace, it served as the ceremonial capital for Nowruz and Mehregan celebrations. Construction spanned 150 years across multiple kings.
Completion of the Royal Road
The Royal Road was a 2,699 km paved highway connecting Susa (administrative capital) to Sardis (Lydia). With 111 relay stations where couriers changed horses, messages traveled at astonishing speed across the empire.
Burning of Persepolis
After capturing Persepolis, Alexander allowed looting of the treasuries. Reportedly 10,000 mules and 5,000 camels were needed to carry the gold and silver. Then the palaces burned—some say at the urging of Thais the Athenian, others call it revenge for the Acropolis burning.
Academy of Gondishapur
Gondishapur (Jundishapur) in Khuzestan was the greatest intellectual center of the ancient world. The academy taught medicine, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and theology. Its teaching hospital became the model for Islamic hospitals.