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Saturday, October 21, 2023

XERXES - Pasargadae – The First Garden




Pasargadae – The First Garden


Pasargadae was central in early Persia. It was founded in a lush valley. A hub of travel activity. It was of sorts at a crossroads of both traders and Nomads who traversed the region continuously.

It grew quickly into a petite royal city. An expanse of gardens filled the fertile plains in a network of linear patterns that surrounded irrigation canals. Every manner of waterfowl was introduced to the canals. The gardens were designed by Cyrus himself. Tended to by the many hands of men and women alike who were eager to create the Persian Kingdom..

Here were the first palaces of Persia. Also petite in comparison to the future grand palaces of the empire. Stone and block with tower that provided a miles-long view in four directions. The Western perimeter was reserved for trade and markets. For it was from this direction the prevailing winds wafted the scents of blacksmith fires and of baking and roasting.

The eastern flank was reserved for homes and small barns. For much the same reasons. Animals in the city included oxen and horses. Donkeys. A goat or two in most homes. Hens grazed freely throughout the homes and gardens. The scents of these animals were carried out of the city on the prevailing winds.

The rooster became a revered symbol of Persia. Protected and preserved. A religious symbol of sorts. Other animals gained favor in Peria as well. Travelers from the far east introduced peahens and peacocks. The latter of which became a mainstay of all Persian Palaces from that point. A royal symbol of elegance and beauty. Cats roamed freely in and out of the city keeping the streets clean and rodent free. Dogs were reserved for the Palaces only. Guardians and protectors. Well fed and well loved.

Pasargadae was known by all outlying Kingdoms for its simple grandeur. Its welcoming peoples. Its comforting scents of gardens and of home and hearth. It is for this reason perhaps that Cyrus chose it for his final eternal home.







Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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Tuesday, October 17, 2023

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Monday, October 16, 2023

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Sunday, October 15, 2023

XERXES - The Heart of Babylon


Artist rendition of the hanging gardens of Babylon


The Heart of Babylon



Great care will be taken with this dialogue. The heart of Babylon began centuries before Persia was created. In many different Epochs as well. Babylon was revered for her beauty and luster in the fertile river valley. It is true and accurate that the landscaping in the valley was admired by other Kingdoms far and near.

Terraces were built along the steep banks of the river. Terraces were also built along the perimeter of the great city. Lush foliage was transplanted. Flowering vines, fruiting shrubs and trees, and all manner of plants were included. Palisades were whitewashed and provided an elegant anchor for the greenery. Known to history as the Hanging Gardens, these lush and vibrant landscapes were exquisite to behold.

While Babylon was known for her gardens. She was known even more for her beautiful daughters. The women of Babylon were elegant and exotic. Protected as any high treasure by all. They were educated in arts and letters. Given roles in trade and general commerce if desired. Given in marriage only when it was a mutual decision.

Babylon was desired by many Kingdoms for many reasons. Cyrus wanted the jewel to be a Nation of Persia. He devised the strategy to take the impenetrable city. His goal was achieved without loss of life. Eventually Babylonians welcomed the new leadership and were welcomed into Persia with warm hearts. Many, many unions were made and the beauty of Babylon was handed down through the lineages of Persians.

It is true and accurate that Cyrus freed the many slaves of many different cultures. Hebrew and African amoung them. All permitted to leave the City and return to their own homelands. This caused initial grief and chaos in the City. Once it was known that Persians themselves would fill the roles and create a better democracy for all, the Babylonians were in agreement.

Babylon's great architecture and landscaping became a foundation and a template for future developing areas. Painstakingly copied in small regions of fertile river valleys within mountain ranges of the region.

But the complete Heart of Babylon. Her lush and vibrant gardens and incomparable daughters would not be found anywhere else ever again. Thus giving Babylon a place in the History of all civilization.





Thursday, October 12, 2023

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.




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