|
The only highway to reach Pasargade is filled with little shops like this selling chips and snacks. But if you stop and take a look underneath, you'll find the latest Hollywood movies and American CD's, even before they're released in the US!
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 150
|
At Pasargade, standing in front of the tomb of Cyrus, the first king of the Persian Empire. This entire site, unfortunately, is not nearly as awe-inspiring or preserved as Persepolis, but it's still impressive in its own way.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 144
|
Yours truly, sporting the pink shades, standing in front of the tomb of Persia's first king.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 131
|
A statue near the base of the tomb showing Cyrus with one normal leg and one in the form of a fish, symbolizing that he was king of both land and water.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 123
|
|
The sun hiding behind a column. See, I can be artsy...
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 118
|
Approaching the Persepolis complex. I should say now that photos do not do this place justice. It is so expansive and massive that photos cannot capture the effect. I definitely recommend visiting it.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 113
|
The Xerxes Gateway (aka Gate of All Nations), entrance to the complex, guarded by carvings of bull-like animals. Near the top are inscriptions in cuneiform, Persian, Babylonian, and Elamite languages that proclaim Xerxes the king. (do a search for the full text of the inscription; it's short, but interesting).
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 124
|
At the base of the gateway. Over the years, many travellers have carved their names into the stone, and their still remain.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 121
|
|
One of the animals at the Gateway. The other side is symmetrical.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 118
|
Trying to include as many columns into one photo.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 114
|
I'm not sure what animal this is, but its head is seen many times.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 139
|
This is where the column attached to its base. Unique lines were drawn on both the column and base in order, and when they were aligned, the column was oriented correctly.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 113
|
|
Carvings of the lotus flower, which can be found in almost every stone carving here.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 116
|
The Palace of 100 Columns. This is where representatives from other countries came to pay respect to the king. This part of the Persepolis complex was very impressive, it's no wonder it is one of the seven wonders of the world.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 123
|
And here is the eighth wonder of the world.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 114
|
You know what they say: when in Rome...(speaking of Rome, actually, the Roman empire was no match for the Persian empire).
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 123
|
|
The Apadana Staircase, an amazing staircase and wall with countless bas-relief carvings of people coming from near and far to pay tribue to the king.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 104
|
The 3 tiers of figures depicting the many people lining up to see the king.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 111
|
In the distance you can see the Palace of Darius.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 106
|
This was the site of a gigantic door. To appreciate how big this door was, the rectangular hole in the ground (just left of center of photo) was the lock, and the big semicicular hole off (right edge of photo) was the door's hinge!
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 115
|
|
Not quite sure what this was. Perhaps the Hall of 32 Columns. Maybe I should pay more attention next time.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 117
|
A staircase leading up Darius' palace, showing more people lining up to visit the king.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 123
|
A close-up of the staircase, showing people bringing their gifts, such as food, animals, and furniture.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 123
|
Looking down from the king's palace, you can see the gigantic maze of rooms which was the king's harem of women. Not a bad view...
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 115
|
|
An entrance, which near its top shows the Zoroasatrian god Ahura Mazda.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 112
|
One of the many visitors coming from afar to see the king; here an Indian brings his pet camel.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 126
|
Darius the Great, being attended to by many servants.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 136
|
Walking up the nearby mountain, where you can get a nice view of the entire complex.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 131
|
|
The Gate of All Nations, from another view, and later in the afternoon.
Date: 12/22/2005
Views: 145
|
|
|
|
