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.
Fun Facts
The name "Persepolis" is Greek (City of Persians); the Persian name was "Parsa." Workers from 23 different nations participated in its construction, and according to clay tablets, all were paid wages—not slaves. The reliefs depict 23 nations bringing gifts to the king. The site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Related Events
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.
Battle of al-Qadisiyyah
In this four-day battle near Kufa, the army of Rostam Farrokhzad (Sassanid general) was defeated by Saad ibn Abi Waqqas. Rostam was killed and the Kaviani Banner fell to the Arabs. This battle opened the way to conquer Ctesiphon.