Pasargadae

Ruins of the ancient city of pasargadae, Iran

Once the first capital of the the Achaemenian dynasty, the ancient city of Pasargadae now lies in ruins. The archaeological site is located in what is now southwestern Iran, northeast of Persepolis.

The location was chosen by Cyrus II (Cyrus the Great) who founded the Achaemenid Empire and ruled until his death. The particular site was selected for its significance as the scene of Astyages victory against the Mede in 550. Pasargadae was chosen to be the capital of the first multicultural empire in the region of Western Asia. The empire once spanned all of the Eastern Mediterranean plus Egypt up to the Hindus River, and its diversity is reflected in the architecture found from this period. The architecture at Pasargadae represents the early period of Achaemenid art and architecture.

Building on Pasargadae began around 546 BCE and continued after the death of Cyrus around 530 or 529 BCE. Now his mausoleum is located on site, as the most prominent structure at Pasargadae today.

His sepulchre is set high above its surroundings, atop a platform with six large steps, resembling a ziggurat. Nothing identifies the tomb as that of Cyrus the Great, but Alexander III of Macedon visited the grave site and had a warrior investigate. Inside were gold and riches along with an inscription, identifying the body within the tomb as that of Cyrus. The inscription has never been found. To save the monument from destruction during the Islamic conquest, guardians of the site claimed it was the tomb of King Solomon’s mother.

Other features of the ruins of Pasargadae include Tall-e Takht: a fortified terrace in the hills of the city’s northern boundaries. The fort is constructed of limestone, and uses architectural styles of Asia Minor. The site also features the royal ensemble, including the Four Gardens. The architectural details include large columns and porticos, and bas-relief representations of people and other creatures. There are palaces, a gate house, audience hall, and the residential palace of Cyrus II, built around 535 to 530 BCE.