Pasargadae
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Pasargadae is located 87 km (54 mi) northeast of Persepolis, in present Fars province in Iran, and was the first capital of the Persian Empire. Built by Cyrus II of Persia, Pasargadae remained the capital until Darius built a capital in Persepolis.
The archaeological site covers 1.6 square kilometres, and includes the mausoleum of Cyrus II, the fortress of Tall-e Takht sitting on top of a nearby hill, and the remains of a royal palace and gardens. The gardens provide the earliest known example of the Persian garden concept.
The most important monument in Pasargad is undoubtedly the tomb of Cyrus the Great. It has seven broad steps leading to the sepulcher, which measures 534m. in length by 531m in width and has a low and narrow entrance. When Alexander the Great looted and destroyed Persepolis, he paid a visit to the tomb of Cyrus. It is recorded that he commanded Aristobulus, one of his warriors, to enter the monument. Inside he found a golden bed, a table set with drinking vessels, a gold coffin, some ornaments studded with precious stones and an inscription of the tomb, which reads:
"Passer-by, I am Cyrus the Great, I have given the Persians an empire and I have ruled over Asia,
So do not envy me for this tomb."
Pasargad2.jpg
Pasargadae today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
See also
External links
- UNESCO World Heritage Center (http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=1106)
- Pasargadae, Iran Chamber Society (http://www.iranchamber.com/history/pasargadae/pasargadae.php)
- Persepolis and Pasagadae Official Website (http://www.persepolis.ir/)
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