Beauty of History and Archaeology

Cyrus the Great. He "began his career about 559 as a kinglet in southwestern Persia... The organization he created was the largest empire the world had seen. It initially included Asia Minor and adjacent islands, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, northern Arabia, Mesopotamia, Persia, Afghanistan, Turkestan, Uzbekistan, the Tadzhik and part of the Kirgiz Soviet Republics, and western Pakistan" (p. 163).

The Gate of All Nations, also known as the Gate of Xerxes, is an impressive architectural feature of Persepolis in Iran, dating back to 486–465 BCE.

Commissioned by Xerxes I, it served as a grand entrance to the ceremonial complex. The gate is adorned with colossal stone reliefs depicting guardian figures, including lamassu, mythical winged creatures with the bodies of bulls and the heads of men.

This structure symbolized the vast reach of the Achaemenid Empire, welcoming envoys and dignitaries from across its territories. Its scale and artistry reflect the empire's power and the architectural sophistication of its builders..

Giant Persian Griffin (516-465 BC), Persepolis, Iran.

The word "Griffin" comes from Old French word "griffon," which was used to refer to both the legendary animal and birds of prey in general. Late Latin word "Gryphus," which was derived from an incorrect spelling of ancient Greek word "Grypus," a variation of ancient Greek term (grū́ps), was source of Old French word "Grifon." Word (grū́ps) in ancient Greek literally means "curved or hooked nose," alluding to Griffin's curved beak. The phrase might also be used to refer to dragons.

Typically, Persian griffins are shown to have four legs, wings, and a beak. It has eagle talons on its forelegs, an eagle head and neck, and feathers that are typically brown but can sometimes be tawny. Its body is lion-like, and its tail is tufted. It also has large, horse-like ears and feathered eagle wings. Griffin is depicted as being extraordinarily big and powerful, with talons the size of bull horns and the pens of their feathers huge enough to shoot arrows, in "The Travels of Sir John Mandeville," a purported trip memoir published in 14th Century CE, by an unknown author. Although Griffin is typically shown as brownish in hue, other authors have described it in various ways. According to 2nd Century CE, Greek geographer Pausanias, griffins had leopard-like patches.

The statue of Khosrow I, also known as Khosrow Anushirvan, is a remarkable artifact from the Sassanian Empire, representing one of its most notable rulers. Khosrow I reigned from 531 to 579 CE, a period during which the Sassanian Empire reached its zenith in terms of territorial expansion, culture, and governance. The statue, likely created during or shortly after his reign, captures the king in a powerful, dignified pose, reflecting his status as a strong and enlightened ruler. Known for his military prowess and efforts to reform the empire's legal system, Khosrow I is often regarded as one of the most successful Sassanian monarchs.

This statue is a testament to the artistic achievements of the Sassanian period, demonstrating the sophistication of ancient Persian sculpture. It is typically depicted in regal attire, with elaborate clothing and a detailed crown, symbolizing his imperial authority. The precise facial features and noble expression convey a sense of wisdom and strength, qualities that were central to Khosrow I’s image as a ruler who brought stability to the empire after a period of internal strife. The monument also highlights the influence of Persian royal iconography, which often portrayed rulers as divine figures, reflecting their close connection to the gods and their role as protectors of the people.

The statue of Khosrow I is not only an important historical relic but also an artistic masterpiece that offers insight into the cultural and political landscape of ancient Persia. It provides a glimpse into the ways in which the Sassanian monarchy sought to portray its power and legitimacy through visual representation. Today, the statue serves as a significant artifact for understanding the Sassanian Empire and Khosrow I’s enduring legacy as a ruler who shaped the course of Persian history .

A city in Iran.

Tomb of Artaxerxes I. Artaxerxes I (reigned 465-424 BC) was the sixth monarch of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. He was the son of Xerxes I (reigned 486-465 BC) and his principal wife Amestris (died 424 BC) and grandson of Darius I (the Great, reigned 522-486 BC). He continued the Persian wars with Greece started by his two predecessors, but preferred stealth and bribery to open warfare, and finally ended the fighting with the Peace of Callias around 449 BC.

📷 by ©Veronika Tsoi

Taq-e Bostan'Iran is a famous historical monument dating back to Sassanid Period around the 4th century CE.

PERSIAN IMMORTALS
During the Achaemenid Empire, a special unit of the Persian army, the "Immortals", got their name from the fact that they never diminished. This unit, which numbered around 10,000, never diminished; if one of them diminished, a new one would immediately come and complete the number of 10,000. These warriors, who were selected as a result of special competitions held in the lands of the Achaemenid Empire, had to have certain physical standards. This team, which was specially fed for 2 years, would receive special training from sword masters in the relevant geography. However, this would not be enough to join this unit. They would also participate in wars in distant regions for 2-3 years and return as master warriors, and only then could they join the immortals unit. The Persian Immortals generally did not participate in wars and only took action in special situations. For example, when the Spartans slaughtered the Persian vanguard of 30-40 thousand people in one go, the Immortals surrounded the Spartans and put an end to the war. According to what we learn from Herodotus, the immortals, who also played an important role during the Persian invasion of Greece, were also key figures in the Battle of Thermopylae.

Compiled by: HuzursuzAdam