#4 THE PERSIAN EMPIRE
THE PERSIAN EMPIRE
It might surprise you to learn that the study of art history has some very practical applications. For example, you can bet that movie producers and video game developers enlist the expertise of art historians when they make movies such as 300 or video games such as Prince of Persia. They must look closely at paintings and sculptures and ruins to replicate the architecture, clothing, and weapons of ancient civilizations. And for you to believe it, it must look real.
OBJECTIVES
Discuss the history of ancient Persia.
Identify the two periods of ancient Persia.
Describe the city of Persepolis.
Explain the importance of the Sassanid Empire.
Vocabulary
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Cyrus the Great was born in 583 BC and is credited with establishing the Persian Empire, which ultimately overtook Mesopotamia. His dynasty, which began in 550 BC, was known as the Achaemenid dynasty, and it ruled till 331 BC. There are many ruins and remains of Achaemenian architecture, especially at Pasargadae, the capital city of Cyrus the Great.
The ruins include:
two palaces
a sacred precinct
a tower made of yellow and black limestone
the tomb of Cyrus
The tomb has a gabled roof. Notice the way the levels are built on top of each other, similar to Egyptian pyramids.
The Persians also created decorative items such as gold and silver bracelets and necklaces.
Beautiful, intricately designed works of gold such as this cup were also made during this time. Imagine having your morning cup of Joe in this!
As you have seen, war and fighting are major themes in Persian art; studying Persian art enables you to understand the military history of Persia.
Notes
Forty-three kilometers from Pasargadae, you'll find the ruins of another major city of the Achaemenid dynasty, Persepolis. The establishment of Persepolis was an important milestone in Persian architecture. Who built Persepolis? What are the significant buildings?
PERSIAN SCULPTURE
In the first Persian Empire, sculptures were huge (literally and figuratively). Above, Tomb of Darius.
Instead of having a ghost writer write their autobiographies, rulers such as Darius I left their story in stone. After he was named king in 522 BC, Darius the Great’s sculptors created this relief in Behistun, showing him triumphant. Notice how one figure is larger than the others. That would be Darius talking down to his defeated enemies.
These figures are shown in rigid profile, but the eyes and the way the clothing or drapery falls looks natural. Below the relief sculpture, Darius the Great’s exploits are described in three different languages.
A visitor at the time would be able to see immediately that the Persians were into sculpture. If you went into the main gate of Persepolis, you would find two giant bulls on either side with human heads.
Sculpture decorated all major buildings. Inside the buildings, you’d find columns topped with sculptured animals. Friezes in the shape of lions were set on the exterior cornices; the staircases show royal guards and people bearing tribute. These are done in low relief. Even the doorjambs were carved with likenesses of the king.
So what is the difference between high relief and low relief? Low relief means that the carving is close to the original wall. High relief, as you might imagine, is much higher, and has a more three-dimensional effect.
Below; The Gate of All Nations ruins of Xerxes palace, Persepolis, 486-465BC
Notes
Examine pictures of ancient Persepolis online. In your notes, write down the names of examples that depict high relief and low relief. You may also write down responses to any of the other art work you find.
Like the Babylonians, the Persians used glazed bricks to create pictures depicting creatures that were half-animal, half-human and other mythical creatures.
Persian WInged Sphinx
No civilization lasts forever, and the first great Persian Empire was doomed to fall at the hands of Alexander the Great because of grave military mistakes of its leader, Darius III in 331 AD. Alexander and his troops sacked and burned Persepolis, reducing to ruins the great halls and palaces that were among the architectural wonders of the ancient world. With the conquering Persia by Alexander, the influence of the Greeks began to dominate the arts of Persia.
THE SECOND PERSIAN EMPIRE
Around 226 AD, the Sassanid dynasty was established in Persia. With this dynasty, the Second Persian Empire began and lasted until 651 AD when they were conquered by Moslems. During this period, Persian art once more rose to ascendency.
Shapur l was one of the great kings who expanded the empire. He defeated the Roman leader Valerian and kept him a prisoner for the rest of his life. Like Darius the Great, he made sure we would remember his victories. Notice how the figures are twisted so the upper torso is fully visible but the lower part of the body is in profile. The faces are also in profile. Notice the intricate details of the clothing.
OTHER ART FORMS
In addition to sculpture, Sassanian metalwork is renowned. Beautiful dishes showed scenes of hunting of feasting. Animals, birds, and plants were also depicted. Sometimes these pieces of silver and bronze reflected their skills as sculptors.
Parts of the famous "silk road" traversed the Second Persian Empire, and the weaving of silk textiles was a highly developed art form and became prized possessions. You’ve heard of “magic carpets.” This idea probably came from the beautiful silk or wool carpets woven in Persia. The designs for Persian rugs, which are still made today, are usually symmetrical patterns. Sometimes, gold, silver and gems were used in the weaving. The Persian's were so enamored with their rugs that they would write love poems about them.
LET'S REVIEW!
In this lesson, you have covered the following topics:
The Persian Empire left behind colossal works of architecture and sculpture.
The First Persian Empire effectively began with Cyrus the Great. Darius I and his son Xerxes continued the glory of the empire and documented their might in capital cities such as Persepolis and Susa.
The Persians under Darius III were defeated by Alexander the Great, who burned Persepolis.
The Second Persian Empire took place during the Sassanid Dynasty. At this time metalwork and silk weaving flourished.
Take this quiz before moving on.