Passargadae

Background

Pasargadae (from Ancient Greek: Πασαργάδαι, from Old Persian; Modern Persian: پاسارگاد Pāsārgād) was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great who had issued its construction (559–530 BC); it was also the location of his tomb. It was a city in ancient Persia, located near the city of Shiraz (in Pasargad County), and is today an archaeological site and one of Iran's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cyrus the Great began building the capital in 546 BC or later; it was unfinished when he died in battle, in 530 or 529 BC. The remains of the tomb of Cyrus' son and successor Cambyses II have been found in Pasargadae, near the fortress of Toll-e Takht, and identified in 2006.

Pasargadae remained the capital of the Achaemenid empire until Cambyses II moved it to Susa; later, Darius founded another in Persepolis. The archaeological site covers 1.6 square kilometres and includes a structure commonly believed to be the mausoleum of Cyrus, the fortress of Toll-e Takht sitting on top of a nearby hill, and the remains of two royal palaces and gardens. Pasargadae Persian Gardens provide the earliest known example of the Persian chahar bagh, or fourfold garden design (see Persian Gardens).

Pasargadae Structures

See Pasargadae Structures

Tomb of Cyrus the Great

See Tomb of Cyrus the Great

Archaeology

The first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, Pasargadae lies in ruins 40'40 kilometers from Persepolis, in present-day Fars province of Iran. Pasargadae was first archaeologically explored by the German archaeologist Ernst Herzfeld in 1905, and in one excavation season in 1928, together with his assistant Friedrich Krefter (de).[6] Since 1946, the original documents, notebooks, photographs, fragments of wall paintings and pottery from the early excavations are preserved in the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC. After Herzfeld, Sir Aurel Stein completed a site plan for Pasargadae in 1934.[7] In 1935, Erich F. Schmidt produced a series of aerial photographs of the entire complex.

From 1949 to 1955, an Iranian team led by Ali Sami worked there.[9] A British Institute of Persian Studies team led by David Stronach resumed excavation from 1961 to 1963.[10][11][12] It was during the 1960s that a pot-hoard known as the Pasargadae Treasure was excavated near the foundations of 'Pavilion B' at the site. Dating to the 5th-4th centuries BC, the treasure consists of ornate Achaemenid jewellery made from gold and precious gems and is now housed in the National Museum of Iran and the British Museum.[13] After a gap, work was resumed by the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization and the Maison de l'Orient et de la Méditerranée of the University of Lyon in 2000.

Sivand Dam Controversy

There has been growing concern regarding the proposed Sivand Dam, named after the nearby town of Sivand. Despite planning that has stretched over 10 years, Iran's own Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization was not aware of the broader areas of flooding during much of this time. Its placement between both the ruins of Pasargadae and Persepolis has many archaeologists and Iranians worried that the dam will flood these UNESCO World Heritage sites, although scientists involved with the construction say this is not obvious because the sites sit above the planned waterline. Of the two sites, Pasargadae is the one considered to be more threatened. Experts agree that the planning of future dam projects in Iran will merit an earlier examination of the risks to cultural resource properties.

Of broadly shared concern to archaeologists is the effect of the increase in humidity caused by the lake.[16] All agree that the humidity created by it will speed up the destruction of Pasargadae, yet experts from the Ministry of Energy believe it could be partially compensated for by controlling the water level of the reservoir.Construction of the dam began April 19, 2007.

Pasargaae Structures

The Achaemenid structures in Pasargadae, Iran, represent some of the earliest and most significant architectural achievements of the Persian Empire. Founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE, Pasargadae served as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire and a center of political, administrative, and cultural activity. Here's an overview of the Achaemenid structures in Pasargadae:

Pasargadae Citadel:

The Pasargadae Citadel, also known as Tall-e Takht or Throne Hill, was the administrative and ceremonial center of Pasargadae. It was located on a natural hill and likely contained the main palace or audience hall of Cyrus the Great. The summit of the hill was fortified with walls and surrounded by other structures, including temples and administrative buildings.

Pasargadae Gatehouse:

The Gatehouse, also known as the "Gate of All Nations," served as the main entrance to the city of Pasargadae. It consisted of a monumental gateway flanked by two towers, adorned with intricate relief carvings and decorative elements. The Gatehouse symbolized the power and authority of the Achaemenid kings and welcomed visitors from across the empire.

Pasargadae Palace:

The Pasargadae Palace was a grand architectural complex located within the city of Pasargadae. It included several structures, such as the main audience hall (Apadana), residential quarters, administrative offices, and ceremonial courtyards. The palace was built using stone, mud-brick, and wood, with elaborate carvings and decorative elements adorning the facades.

Tomb of Cyrus the Great

See Tomb of Cyrus the Great

The Tomb of Cyrus the Great is located in Pasargadae and is one of the most famous structures in the ancient city. The tomb is a simple, rectangular structure built on a stepped platform, with a gabled roof and a single entrance. It is believed to have housed the remains of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, although this has not been conclusively proven.

Other Structures:

In addition to the main architectural complexes, Pasargadae contained numerous other structures, including temples, shrines, residential buildings, and administrative offices. These structures were built using a combination of local materials and architectural techniques, reflecting the cultural diversity and artistic ingenuity of the Achaemenid Empire. The Achaemenid structures in Pasargadae are a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the Persian Empire. They continue to be studied and admired for their grandeur, beauty, and historical significance, serving as a reminder of the rich heritage of ancient Persia.