Pasargadae, Archaeological site in Fars Province, Iran

Pasargadae is an archaeological site in Fars Province, Iran, where remains of the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire spread across a wide plain. Large distances separate the structures, and visitors see palace foundations, stone platforms, remnants of water channels, and the freestanding tomb with its characteristic stepped form.

The site was founded around 550 before the common era after the victory over the Medes and served as the seat of rulers for roughly three decades. Later the center of power shifted to Persepolis, while the area continued to be used as a royal burial place and ceremonial location.

The name Pasargadae derives from the royal clan of the Achaemenids, the Pasargadae, whose name is explained as "those who wield heavy clubs"; Persian sources also link it to Pāθra-gadā, "protective club". In Islamic times the site's great stones were attributed to Solomon, and it became known as Mashhad-e Madar-e Soleyman, the shrine of Solomon's mother. A mosque built near the tomb in the 7th Islamic century reused palace stone, returned to its original places for the 1971 celebrations.

The sprawling site lies open under the sky, so sun protection and enough water are recommended for the walk. Early morning hours or late afternoons offer more comfortable temperatures and better light for viewing the stone reliefs.

The tomb's main decoration is a rosette carved above the door within the gable, a detail easy to miss from a distance. Greek sources record that Alexander visited the monument and that Aristobulus found a golden bed, a table with drinking vessels, a gold coffin and jewelled ornaments inside; no trace of the reported inscription survives.