World Cultural Heritage (Upper and Lower)

Author: Han Xin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: World Heritage presents the splendid civilizations nurtured by world history over thousands of years, recreating the glorious moments of that era and encompassing the essence of cultural heritage. With exquisite images and detailed text, it showcases the captivating charm and endless allure of these heritage sites, proving their unwavering worthiness of being listed as "World Heritage." "World Heritage" is organized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, with applications submitted by member states governments. According to Article II of the Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, these sites, including cultural relics, ruins, buildings, natural landscapes, or their combinations, undergo rigorous assessment and approval processes to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It includes "World Cultural Heritage," "World Natural Heritage," "World Cultural and Natural Heritage," and "Cultural Landscapes." World Heritage provides detailed introductions to numerous heritage sites around the world listed in its registry, offering rich and comprehensive content. Additionally, the book is accompanied by over 2,000 exquisite images, providing both textual enjoyment and a visual feast.
Persepolis, one of Iran's ancient cities, is located in a basin within the Zagros Mountains of Iran, approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz in the Fars Province. Persepolis, meaning "the capital of the Persian Empire," was the second capital of the Achaemenid Dynasty of the Persian Empire (559–330 BCE). Construction began in 518 BCE during the reign of Darius I. Inspired by the cities of Mesopotamia, the Persian Empire's emperor, who ruled over numerous vassal states, transformed Persepolis into a city with a vast complex of magnificent and grand palaces. The entire ancient city skillfully utilizes the terrain, blending the natural geographical landscape with the artistic brilliance of humanity.
The ruins of Persepolis have provided invaluable insights into ancient Persian civilization, holding significant archaeological importance. In 1987, Persepolis was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Today, Persepolis remains only in ruins, but every stone within them is a witness to extraordinary events filled with wonder. The grandeur of Persepolis's ruins is so immense that even when we encounter history from 2,500 years ago, we can still feel its breath. Persepolis occupies a vast area of the Fars Plain, stretching out on both sides of the steep Koh-i-Rahmat Mountain ("Mountain of Mercy" or "Mountain of Gratitude").
Darius I began construction on the outer palace in 520 BCE. Later, until 460 BCE, King Xerxes and Artaxerxes continued the construction of the palaces. Their years of effort resulted in numerous colossal palaces and administrative buildings, which, in the face of the mighty Achaemenid kings, evoked fear and awe. Indeed, the grandeur and luxury of the Persepolis palace complex stirred the imagination of everyone of that time. The Achaemenid rulers summoned craftsmen and foremen from various provinces of the empire, as the Achaemenid royal art adopted different styles from the various countries under the Persian Empire's rule. These influences are evident, yet the overall effect remains undeniably innovative. A striking example of this fusion can be seen in the columns. Although the plant patterns carved on the bases, shafts, and animal-shaped capitals of these columns evoke Egypt, Ionic Greece, and Assyria, they remain distinctly Persian in style.
The palace complex was constructed according to a pre-planned blueprint. It sits on a platform carved from rock (450×300 meters), reinforced by towering retaining walls built of massive stones. A thick wall of unfinished bricks was built along the edge of the platform. Two steep stone staircases were carved into the center of the platform, along which chariots thundered and cavalry galloped 2,500 years ago, as the commander Darius urgently reported victory and presented rich spoils to the king. Each step of the massive staircases at Persepolis's ruins is 8 meters wide, and every step is carved from a single piece of stone, further enhancing the solemnity of the procession entering the city. "The Gate of All Nations" (scholars refer to it as "Four