Persepolis Case

Persepolis is a major site in the Persian Empire and was started by King Darius I. There are two probable main functions for Persepolis; an administrative centre or a ceremonial centre. The site of Persepolis is very isolated which would be need for a ceremonial centre. The architecture is a blend of different cultures and shows the integration which is also to be expected for a ceremonial. The large treasury supports that Persepolis was an administrative centre as it contains artefacts from all over the empire which could have been tribute and texts that show how the empire was run. Reliefs have evidence that Persepolis could have been an administrative or a ceremonial centre. Texts found throughout the site of Persepolis suggest that Persepolis was indeed an administrative centre.

Persepolis was built on a large rock-shelf measuring 458 by 275 metres. The structure of Persepolis suggests that the site was used for ceremonial purposes rather than a royal residence. Source 1 shows a plan of the terrace at Persepolis, the palaces shown are smaller than what is expected of a palace, suggesting that the site is indeed for ceremonial purposes. The white limestone was used for the imposing 111 stairs of the double seven-meter wide stairway serving as the primary access to the terrace, allowed horsemen and infantry on parade to approach the stairway, dividing into two files, and then merging again at the top of the staircase, which were lined with relief sculptures of Persian subjects. The Persian kings did not spend much time at Persepolis and it was a little too remote to be a good administrative capital this can be seen from looking at patterns of wear on steps of thresholds and floors, it is apparent that the site was not occupied on a year-round, daily basis. This has led to the suggestion that the site was a ceremonial and spiritual centre for the Achaemenid Empire, a sacred site used only for the performance of certain rituals and events, such as the crowning and burial of kings and the presentation of tribute from the subject lands.

The idea that it could have been a ceremonial centre can be backed up with different interpretations of the reliefs. It could have very well have been representation of a formal ceremony of people from each part of the empire offering tribute to the Ahura Mazda, the deity worshipped by the Achaemenids. Also the formality of the process is likely to be present in a ceremonial gathering. This seems highly possible considering the relief in the central panel of the king with the crown prince behind him, while the Ahura-Mazda is placed above and below them, 28 figures are shown representing the empire, supporting him. This suggests that the king and the god are one of the same, the 28 supporters highlight the kings power as well as the strong religious beliefs held among the people of the empire, this implies that offering gifts