A grand capital called Persepolis

Some 2500 years ago, Darius the Great of the Achaemenid Empire built a grand ceremonial capital called Persepolis. Persepolis is about 50 km from Shiraz at the foot of the Rahmat Mountains. Alexander the Great destroyed it in 330 B.C. but archaeologists combing through its debris managed to reveal most of what was left of its structure. From Naqsh-e Rustam, our taxi had taken us to Persepolis. The Shah of Iran, before being toppled by the late Ayatollah Khomeini, reportedly held a glitzy party for the World Rich and famous there. Only the privileged must be able to roam such a grand place!

Moving into Persepolis...



Gateway to Persepolis...





A top view of Persepolis ...




What's left of Persepolis..