Persepolis

Persepolis

Students investigate:

representations of Persepolis – ancient and/or modern

the geographical and historical context, including:

• an overview of the Persian Empire from Cyrus the Great to Darius I and early capital cities Ecbatana and Pasargadae

• geographic location of the site of Persepolis

• the discovery of Persepolis and the nature of archaeological excavation over time

the range of sources, including:

• archaeological finds, architectural features and wall reliefs at the site, eg the Apadana, the terrace, the palaces, gatehouse, Hall of the Hundred Columns (Throne Hall), Tripylon staircase, Harem and treasury buildings, stone carving, glazed brick panels, Bisitun (Behistan) inscription of Darius I

the history of Persepolis as revealed through the sources, including:

• the layout of the city of Persepolis, the features of the city and their role in everyday life

• design and ornamentation of the Achaemenid period

• the role of Persepolis as a centre of Persian power

• debate over the role of Alexander the Great in the destruction of Persepolis