The Ancient And Forgotten Empire Of Persepolis

This opening paragraph introduces Persia as an ancient civilization that has been overlooked in history. It highlights the city of Persepolis, built 2,500 years ago as the capital of the largest empire the world had seen at the time. The paragraph sets up how little is known or studied about the Persians in contrast to other contemporary civilizations.

This paragraph describes the origins of the Persian Empire among nomadic tribes on the Persian plains. Under King Cyrus starting around 550 BC, the Persian army embarked on military campaigns that within 30 years established an empire spanning from India to Egypt and Russia. Persepolis was started by Darius around 515 BC to be the empire's ceremonial capital and power center.

This part provides details on the magnificent architecture and buildings making up Persepolis. Items described include the Gate of All Nations, Apadana reception hall, Hall of 100 Columns, and more. Persepolis is highlighted as an extraordinary world architectural achievement.

This section examines the question of Persepolis's purpose. An analysis of carved reliefs and other evidence indicates the city's primary function was ceremonial - it was built to receive tributes and gifts confirming loyalty from the diversity of peoples across the vast empire.

Here the common Greek view of Persians as cruel oppressors is countered by examining primary evidence. Inscriptions and accounts suggest Persians allowed subject peoples to retain local customs and religions. This tolerance helped maintain stability over the empire's long history.

This part looks at Persia's infrastructure supporting control and administration of their huge empire. Engineering feats included an extensive royal road system with staging posts for rapid communication across the 1500 miles from Persepolis to the Mediterranean.

The paragraph examines the nomadic roots of Persian culture. Despite building imperial cities like Persepolis, Persians remained at home living in tents as they moved herds seasonally. Their mobile lifestyle was misunderstood as a sign of weakness by the more stationary Greeks.

This section explores the Persian cultural tradition around finely colored and embellished textiles. From royal Persian hangings to modern Iranian bazaars, textiles signified status and were an outlet for the Persian affection for adornment going back to antiquity.

The paragraph looks how qualities like luxury and excess seen in Persian lifestyles were despised by the Greeks. Items from lavish feasting to opulent furnishings were cited by Greek critics as evidence for moral corruption and effeminacy among the Persian people.

The final paragraph recounts Alexander the Great's ruthless sacking and burning of Persepolis in revenge and to symbolize the elimination of Persian power. Ironically, the destruction helped preserve aspects of Persepolis intact until excavations in the 20th century.