Achaemenian Empire Collection

Monument to the Persian poet Ferdowsi or Firdowsi (935-1025)
DGA1132277 Monument to the Persian poet Ferdowsi or Firdowsi (935-1025), Ferdowsi square, Teheran, Iran; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W. Buss

View of the ruins of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA1132273 View of the ruins of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W. Buss

Bas-relief depicting Persian guards
DGA1132270 Bas-relief depicting Persian guards, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran civilization. Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W

Bas-relief of a hero fighting a monster from a bird's head
DGA1132260 Bas-relief of a hero fighting a monster from a bird's head, jamb of the door of the Throne Room or the Hundred Columns, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Bas-relief of Persian guards, west staircase
DGA1132258 Bas-relief of Persian guards, west staircase, Palace of Darius (Tachara), Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bas-relief of servants bringing food to kings' tables
DGA1132255 Bas-relief of servants bringing food to kings' tables, Palace of Xerxes, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Emperor Darius I (552 BC-486 BC) followed by two servants
DGA2564362 Emperor Darius I (552 BC-486 BC) followed by two servants, relief from a door of the Trypilon Palace of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Inscription of Darius I and Xerxes in three languages
DGA3066940 Inscription of Darius I and Xerxes in three languages, ancient Persian, Elamite and Babylonian, detail, Ganjnameh, near Hamedan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Ruins of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3066936 Ruins of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bas-relief depicting battle between lion and bull
DGA3066935 Bas-relief depicting battle between lion and bull, east staircase of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Persian guard, relief, detail, east staircase of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3066933 Persian guard, relief, detail, east staircase of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Persian and Mede dignitaries, relief
DGA3070872 Persian and Mede dignitaries, relief, detail, Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Ruins of royal palace of Cyrus Great
DGA920580 Ruins of royal palace of Cyrus Great, Pasargad (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W. Buss

Ruins of royal palace of Cyrus Great
DGA920578 Ruins of royal palace of Cyrus Great, Pasargad (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W. Buss

Ruins of Apadana large hypostyle hall
DGA2564535 Ruins of Apadana large hypostyle hall, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns
DGA3070399 Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Battle between lion and bull, bas-relief
DGA3070721 Battle between lion and bull, bas-relief, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Door with relief, Palace of Darius I
DGA3070720 Door with relief, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Door with relief)

Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns
DGA3070564 Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Hero combating griffon, jamb of door
DGA3070406 Hero combating griffon, jamb of door, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns
DGA3070404 Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Relief depicting figures making offering
DGA3070400 Relief depicting figures making offering, west staircase, Darius I Palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Winged genius, bas-relief, ruins of Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3069312 Winged genius, bas-relief, ruins of Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage List, 2004), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Winged genius, bas-relief)

Persian guards, relief, Tripylon palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3069251 Persian guards, relief, Tripylon palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Persian guards, relief)

Persian guards, bas-relief, detail
DGA3069243 Persian guards, bas-relief, detail, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Griffin's head-shaped capital
DGA3069226 Griffin's head-shaped capital, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 5th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Griffin's head-shaped capital)

Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns
DGA3069225 Bull's head-shaped capital from the Throne room or Room of Hundred Columns, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bas-relief depicting Persian guards
DGA1132271 Bas-relief depicting Persian guards, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran civilization, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; © NPL - DeA Picture Library / W

Bas-relief depicting Median dignitaries
DGA1132266 Bas-relief depicting Median dignitaries, Tripylon or the Council Hall, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Bas-relief of a procession of vassal nations
DGA1132264 Bas-relief of a procession of vassal nations, Armenian subject bearing gifts to the king, Apadana, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Porch with cuneiform inscription of Xerxes
DGA917547 Porch with cuneiform inscription of Xerxes, Palace of Darius (Tachara), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC

Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate
DGA2593157 Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate, with colossal lamassus (human-headed bulls), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate
DGA2593156 Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate, with colossal lamassus (human-headed bulls), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Steps, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593153 Steps, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; (add.info.: Steps, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

View of archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593119 View of archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: View of the archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

View of archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593116 View of archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: View of the archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Panoramic view, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593110 Panoramic view, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Panoramic view, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

View of the archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593106 View of the archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: View of the archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Landscape, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593104 Landscape, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Landscape, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

King's private apartments, central part of King Darius palace complex
DGA2593097 King's private apartments, central part of King Darius palace complex, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: The king's private apartments)

Statue ruins, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593091 Statue ruins, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Statue ruins, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Stone lion, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilization. Detail
DGA2593089 Stone lion, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilization. Detail.; (add.info.: Stone lion, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation)

Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593083 Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593081 Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Column, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593080 Column, archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Column, archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593077 Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593076 Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593023 Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Ruins of the Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC
DGA2593016 Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC; (add.info.: Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation, 6th century BC.); © Archivio J

Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC
DGA2593014 Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC; (add.info.: Ruins of Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation, 6th century BC.); © Archivio J

Steps, ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593467 Steps, ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Steps, ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Unfinished monumental gate, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593386 Unfinished monumental gate, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; (add.info.: Unfinished monumental gate)

View of Apadana palace and Propylaea of Xerxes
DGA2593385 View of Apadana palace and Propylaea of Xerxes, Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Guardsman, bas-relief on Tripylon (triple gate)
DGA2593365 Guardsman, bas-relief on Tripylon (triple gate), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; (add.info.: Guardsman)

Apadana (hypostyle hall), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593353 Apadana (hypostyle hall), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate)
DGA2593348 Bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Persian dignitaries, bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate)
DGA2593346 Persian dignitaries, bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate)
DGA2593344 Bas-reliefs on the steps of the Tripylon (triple gate), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate
DGA2593337 Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate, with colossal lamassus (human-headed bulls), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran

Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593329 Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran

The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593326 The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran

The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593325 The tomb of Cyrus the Great, Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran

The Ka'ba-ye Zartosht (Cube of Zoroaster)
DGA2593288 The Ka'ba-ye Zartosht (Cube of Zoroaster), Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran

Bas-relief on an Achaemenid tomb
DGA2593279 Bas-relief on an Achaemenid tomb, Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran. Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC; (add.info.: Bas-relief on an Achaemenid tomb, Naqsh-e Rostam, Iran)

Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593264 Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran

Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List)
DGA2593263 Walls, ruins of Pasargadae (Unesco World Heritage List, 2004), Iran

View of the ruins of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3066974 View of the ruins of Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Hero combating griffon, detail
DGA3066929 Hero combating griffon, detail, jamb of door, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Winged genius, bas-relief, ruins of Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3069255 Winged genius, bas-relief, ruins of Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage List, 2004), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Winged genius, bas-relief)

Fish Man, relief, entrance of Palace S
DGA3069254 Fish Man, relief, entrance of Palace S, Pasargadae (UNESCO World Heritage List, 2004), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Fish Man, relief)

Persian guards, bas-relief, detail
DGA3069240 Persian guards, bas-relief, detail, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Persian and Mede dignitaries, relief
DGA3069238 Persian and Mede dignitaries, relief, detail, Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Inscription of Darius I and Xerxes in three languages
DGA3070411 Inscription of Darius I and Xerxes in three languages, ancient Persian, Elamite and Babylonian, detail, Ganjnameh, near Hamedan, Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Relief depicting procession, detail
DGA3070409 Relief depicting procession, detail, east staircase of Apadana Palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Relief of hero strangling lion
DGA3070407 Relief of hero strangling lion, jamb of door, Palace of Darius I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Darius followed by two servants holding parasol
DGA3070405 Darius followed by two servants holding parasol, detail, jamb of door, Palace of Xerxes I, Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Relief depicting Persian guards
DGA3070401 Relief depicting Persian guards, west staircase, Darius I Palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Relief depicting figure making offering of lamb
DGA3070719 Relief depicting figure making offering of lamb, west staircase, Darius I Palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

Guards, relief, east staircase of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List)
DGA3068275 Guards, relief, east staircase of Apadana palace in Persepolis (UNESCO World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization, 6th-5th century BC (photo); (add.info.: Guards, relief)

Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593078 Archaeological site of Susa, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Archaeological site of Susa, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593026 Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Columns of the Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593025 Ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Ruins of the Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Steps, ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization
DGA2593020 Steps, ruins of Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran, Achaemenid civilization; (add.info.: Steps, ruins of the Anahita temple, Kangavar, Iran. Achaemenid civilisation.); © Archivio J

Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate
DGA2593154 Gate of Xerxes I or All Nations gate, with colossal lamassus (human-headed bulls), Persepolis (Unesco World Heritage List, 1979), Iran, Achaemenid civilization

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EDITORS COMMENTS

The Achaemenian Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire, was one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in ancient history. Its rise to prominence is intricately woven into the tapestry of Cyrus II The Great's story. Cyrus II The Great, a visionary leader and military genius, founded the Achaemenian Empire in 550 BCE. His tale is beautifully depicted in a stunning tapestry from c. 1590 that showcases his triumphs and conquests. This magnificent artwork transports us back to ancient Iran, specifically Shiraz and Persepolis - two cities that played pivotal roles in shaping this mighty empire. As we gaze upon this tapestry, we are captivated by its intricate details and vibrant colors that bring Cyrus II's story to life. From humble beginnings as a prince of Persia, Cyrus II embarked on an extraordinary journey marked by courage, wisdom, and ambition. He united various tribes under his rule through diplomacy or forceful conquests but always with respect for local customs and traditions. Under Cyrus II's reign, the Achaemenian Empire flourished both politically and culturally. It expanded its borders across vast territories stretching from Egypt to India - becoming one of the largest empires ever seen at that time. Persepolis became the heart of this glorious empire - a grand capital adorned with majestic palaces showcasing architectural marvels like no other. These structures stood as testaments to Cyrus II's vision for greatness while reflecting influences from diverse cultures within his realm. The legacy left behind by Cyrus II The Great continues to inspire awe even today. His commitment to justice, religious tolerance, and efficient governance set new standards for future empires throughout history. As we admire this captivating tapestry depicting the Story of Cyrus II The Great from c. 1590 CE. , let us be reminded of how one man's determination can shape nations forevermore.