Persepolis, Archaeological site in Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran

Persepolis is an archaeological site in Fars Province, Iran, built on an artificial limestone terrace at an elevation of 1,627 meters (5,338 feet). The complex extends across a large area with multiple columned halls, monumental staircases, and reliefs depicting processions of tribute bearers from different regions of the ancient empire.

Darius I began construction in 515 BCE of this ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, which was expanded by his successors. Alexander of Macedon conquered and burned the complex in 330 BCE, ending an era of Persian rule.

The site's modern Persian name, Takht-e Jamshid ("Throne of Jamshid"), comes from the legendary king Jamshid, since medieval Persians could not read the cuneiform inscriptions and linked the ruins to him. Sasanian prince Shapur Sakanshah left a 311 AD inscription at the Tachara palace recording a feast and religious rites there. Muslim geographers such as al-Masudi and Istakhri attributed the ruins to Jamshid or Solomon, and the Buyid ruler Azud al-Dawla left two Kufic inscriptions.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more bearable and the light brings out the stone carvings. The main entrance through the Gate of All Nations leads into a square hall from which the most important structures are easily accessible.

Archaeological excavations revealed that construction workers received regular wages and rations, challenging earlier assumptions about slave labor building ancient monuments. Administrative tablets also document the employment of craftsmen from different parts of the empire who came voluntarily.