XERXES - Persepolis - the Gate of the People

Entrance to the Gate of Nations

Persepolis - the Gate of the People

It is true and accurate that Persia was a kingdom of many Nations. Some of these Nations came to Persia in request of trade or support or protection. Some Nations encroached on Persia and received due recompense as well as induction into Persia.

Under Cyrus Persia was united in glory and mercy. He was a just ruler with a heart and learned equally from those neighboring kings who sought his counsel. My father Darius fell swiftly into the footsteps of Cyrus through the great council from my Mother Atossa. Who better to know the heart of Cyrus than his daughter. Under Darius and Atossa Persia expanded and thrived.

Darius recognized the need for structure and governance in this expanding kingdom. Persepolis was begun as a capital under the direction of Cyrus. Three generations later my sons and I continued this endeavour. But it was Darius who commanded the construction of the greatest portion of this great city.

In great anticipation I was tasked with the design and construction of a ceremonial hall. One that served as a gateway to the palaces. A gallery of all Nations with space to display the best of the best that was produced in each nation. Pottery, paintings, mosaics, instruments, textiles, and even plants.

Construction of this grand structure began in the Spring. With the dedication of hundreds of hands and nearly a thousand craftsmen the Hall was completed before winter. It is true and accurate that it was dedicated as the Gate of all Nations.

It is more accurate to share that this Hall was the Gate of all peoples. Welcoming benches lined with soft cushions of the finest cotton and silk lined the interior walls. Large, hand carved wooden benches were placed throughout to encourage conversations and to provide edges to a large walkway along the walls.. In the center there were tables with displays of arts and crafts. Any one could bring a piece into this Hall and display it for all Nations of Persia to admire. The Hall was not limited to Persian access. It was a welcoming entry to the dignitaries and royalty from kingdoms both east and west of Persia. It was a jewel in the Persian crown.

Copyright 2023 Terran Cognito

XERXES - An Interlude

Persepolis - Image courtesy http://Persepolis.nu

An Interlude

The bucolic household of the Darius lineage was a haven. It was shelter from the oft times madness of the metropolis life. To share only the soft and relaxed experiences would do a dishonour to the grandeur of Persia.

Persepolis was the creation of Darius but was the dream of Cyrus. Atossa encouraged Darius in the endeavor and although it meant months and years of separation, Atossa supported the development of the capital.

Darius was in all aspects a great architect. He was an even greater engineer. The palaces of Persepolis were grand to behold. But the function of each was a feat even greater. Water flowed and wastes were removed with ingenuity. True the palaces were ornate. But they required fewer servants than any others of the time because of the great engineering. This made for a much happier experience for the household.

History will provide the truth one day. The beauty and art and grace and treasures of our Persia far outweigh the damage and atrocities inflicted during battles. Although little remains of the ancient civilization. The Persia that I recall will be known once more.



Copyright 2023 Terran Cognito

XERXES - Persepolis

Persepolis
(image courtesy http://persepolis.nu)

Persepolis Foundations

The plan for this magnificent location began with Cyrus - the Father of my Mother. The location selected for its prominence in trade routes. These routes passed through the fertile valleys connecting East to West that at that time took months and years to travel end to end.

Magnificent shelter from the nearby mountain was selected. The plans also placed Persepolis on the west side so as to gather the complete benefits and glory of the setting sun. This plan proved strong and well suited. The climate of the region was extreme with the seasons and this design along with the architecture of the structures provided advancements in comfort.

Two rivers flowed gently nearby and this location gave fruit to the most simple of irrigation and water aqueduct designs. All were complex of course for their times, but Cyrus and Darius were great minds with genuine intellect and wonder. Darius fulfilled the dream of Cyrus within the structures of Persepolis.

Cyrus was revered and memorialized in every stone. In every wall. In every hall. Eternal for that epoch. Darius ensured that the legacy of the King of Kings would continue through the generations in the magnificent design and displays of Persepolis.

To begin now.. The perimeter of this great city included the slope of the adjacent mountain. The foundations of the Western and Southern walls were raised and built to prevent the waters from infiltrating during the spring floods. The foundations in the North included faceless structures to limit the cooler winds of winter and early spring. Structures for horse and oxen were along the Northern face. This area was selected to limit the fragrances from the livestock during the prevailing winds of the hot and arid summers. And of course to provide a subtle warmth during the colder times.

Also located along this perimeter were the merchants and industriants of copper and silver and gold and other metals. Blacksmiths. Swordsmiths. Goldsmiths. Those works that included great fires and expansive spaces to produce the adornments. The swords and the shields.. And the pots and the knives.

Homes were built on the exterior of the Southern and Western walls and were of simple stone and mortar construction with timber supports and roof coverings. These included the central towers shared previously. To provide the natural cooling effects in the heat of long days.

The interior of Persepolis was home to the Halls and Galleries. And of course what is revered as a great palace. A central promenade was designed to connect the exterior merchants and industriants, and the residents to the central area for education and entertainment.

For all of the historical references of Persepolis. None match the true intention. Construction. Grandeur. And of course the complexity of the place.


Denice Note: Was directed to locate some Persian music.

Listened to this while transmitting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwrTHFwYRDQ

Copyright 2023  Terran Cognito