BAS-RELIEF STAIRS

The most dazzling part of the visit! Darius's Apadana is served by two large staircases with symmetrical stole. Note the exceptionally well preserved and fascinating bas-reliefs, buried beneath layers of ash and earth for centuries. These long metre long friezes, evoking the Cérémonies ceremonies, further reinforce the impression of stability of the monument. Unlike the Assyrian palaces, Persepolis integrates the bas-reliefs into the palaces of the palaces, highlighting the essential architectural lines. The choice of themes, indicates the function of the building.

In the center of the first double staircase, hang on to achéménides soldiers and the struggle of stylized animals: the Iranian lion nourished the Taureau bull, illustration of alternating seasons. Also note, on side walls, the Cyprès cypress Banners (sarv) representing immortality and the petals lotus flowers, the Zodiac symbol. See also on the right-hand staircase, the bas-reliefs detailing the grand procession of to countries of the immense empire and the surrender of taxes to Darius during the good of Now.

Extend to the three suites of 22 paintings, composed of small characters of 80 cm carved from profile. The peoples of the Empire, some of them in arms because free, are led by Persians, sovereign people, and the Medes, second in hierarchical order with their rounded cup. The personification of everyone, from their traditional dress, is very precisely detailed: Babylonians, Parathians, Armenians, Susiens, Bactrian, Egyptians,', Lydians. The Scythians thus wear sharp hoods, the Assyrians of the red-chip caps, the people of Bukhara lead sheep, those from Balkh, the Zébus… All act as allegiance by their offerings: vases filled with gold and jewels, camels, giraffes, bulls, horses, precious cuts, tools or weapons. Men speak between themselves or be held by hand, a sign of kindness. The wealth of detail of clothing and caps, very characteristic of the different and many peoples of the immense Achaemenid Empire, strikes the imagination. On the left hand staircase, note the Persian and Ottoman guards: foot, archers, cavaliers and tank drivers. Represented two by two, soldiers are held by the hand, the ultimate guarantors of the Achaemenid Empire. Easily identifiable, the Persians are dressed with long torches while the Medes wear Round Cups - similar to those still worn in Azerbaijan - and short coats. The long plis Persians have the hair raised, the beard with tight bouclettes and mustache ombrageant their lip.