The National Consultative Assembly, during Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh's tenure, passed the law nationalizing Iran's oil industry. This day coincided with Nowruz Eve.
Fun Facts
Before nationalization, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company split profits: 84% for Britain, only 16% for Iran! After nationalization, Britain boycotted Iran, eventually leading to the 1953 coup that overthrew Mossadegh. March 20 is now observed as "Oil Nationalization Day" in Iran.
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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.
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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.
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