Palace of Darius in Susa

The palace stands on a raised platform of 15 meters, covering 100 hectares with residential areas, an audience hall, and a monumental gate point.

Darius I initiated the construction of this royal complex in 510 BCE, which later served as the winter residence for Persian Achaemenid rulers until 330 BCE.

The palace construction brought together artisans and materials from multiple regions, including cedar from Lebanon, gold from Lydia, and stone craftsmen from Greece and Egypt.

The archaeological site of the palace remains open for visitors in modern-day Shush, Khuzestan Province, at coordinates 32.192222 latitude and 48.248889 longitude.

A foundation inscription in the King's Hall details the precise origin of every material used, from precious stones to timber, documenting ancient trade networks.

Location: Shush County

Official opening: 510s BCE

Architectural style: Achaemenid architecture

Made from material: stone, cedar wood, brick

GPS coordinates: 32.19222,48.24889

Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:45