Season 2 - Episode 33 - Persepolis (Iran)

In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover Persepolis, located in Iran. This UNESCO world heritage site served as the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Join us as we discuss the history, travel tips and more.

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Episode Transcript

Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips and legendssurrounding one of the 1, 223

(00:25):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal, cultural, or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to Season 2, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that

(00:47):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your supportand you can continue to support us.
By subscribing at ApplePodcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can follow us on TikTok and Facebook.

(01:09):
And of course, please tell yourfriends about us if they love
travel and history podcasts as well.
Envision a place where goldsunlight bathes the relief of
kings, the details still remarkablyclear despite centuries of wind.
The grand staircases, wide andshallow, were designed for regal

(01:32):
processions, leading to theheart of the city, the palace.
Persepolis, known in Old Persian asParsa, was the key ceremonial capital of
the Achaemenid Empire from 550 to 1100.
To about 330 BC. Surrounded by theZagros Mountains, Persepolis stands

(01:55):
as one of the most significantremnants of Persian heritage, a
true testament to Persia's glory.
Standing in modern day Iran, its giantstone columns pierce the skies, their
intricate carvings murmuring tales of acivilization that once ruled vast lands.

(02:16):
The earliest remnants of Persepolisdates back to 515 BC. This suggests
that its foundations were laidduring the reign of Darius I, with
construction being completed by Xerxes.
While it was not the largest citywithin the Achaemenid Empire, it
served as a grand ceremonial complex,likely used for events rather

(02:41):
than as a permanent urban center.
Archaeological evidence suggests thatPersepolis was primarily a political
hub and a place for formal ceremonies,hosting celebrations where Persian
nobility and representatives of subjectnations would present gifts to the king.

(03:02):
The site's walled platform housesfive major halls, and numerous
imposing entrances, adorned withintricate reliefs, which depicted
the empire's immeasurable diversity.
The construction of Persepolis reflectsthe architectural sophistication of
the Achaemenid style, characterizedby the use of gray limestone.

(03:27):
Limestone is versatile and durable, sothis was a wise choice on their part.
It's Terrace, spanning nearly 77miles, was partially carved from
the surrounding mountains and mainlyconstructed through artificial means.
Among its most remarkable structureswas the Apadana Palace, which was

(03:50):
used for royal audiences, the Hallof a Hundred Columns, the Great
Stairway, and the Gate of All Nations.
The Great Stairway, which I mentionedbefore, is one of the most striking areas.
As it leads directly to the entrance ofthe city, 111 majestic steps that were

(04:12):
once ascended and descended by royalty.
Persepolis fell to Alexander the Greatin 330 BC after his army navigated
the Persian gates where Persian forcesunder Ariobarzanes mounted a fierce
but ultimately unsuccessful defense.

(04:33):
Following the capture of thecity, Alexander allowed his troops
to loot the immense treasury.
Shortly thereafter, Persepoliswas engulfed in flames, an event
widely believed to have been adeliberate act of destruction.
The extent of the damage suggests thatthe fire consumed the wooden portions of

(04:53):
the city, effectively sealing its decline.
To this day, Persepolis is associatedwith supernatural forces and
believed by many to be hauntedby those murdered at the hands of
Alexander the Great and his troops.
Despite its downfall, Persepolisremained a provincial capital within

(05:15):
Alexander's empire until at least 316 BC.
However, over the centuries, it graduallyfell into obscurity as the nearby
city of Estakhr rose to prominence.
By the early Islamic period, Persepolishad become little more than ruins,
its remnants repurposed for theconstruction of Estakhr, and later Shiraz.

(05:42):
The modern rediscovery of Persepolisbegan in the early 17th century, spurring
interest in its historical inscriptions,particularly its cuneiform texts, which
played a crucial role in the decipherment.
of cuneiform script in the 19th century.

(06:03):
Cuneiform writing is an ancient system ofwriting from Mesopotamia, usually marked
into clay using reed as a writing tool.
French explorers produced some of theearliest visual records of the ruins,
while systematic excavations began inthe 20th century under archaeologists

(06:24):
who were sponsored by the OrientalInstitute of the University of Chicago.
This incredible history speaks towhy it was designated as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1979.
Conservation of Persepolisremains an ongoing challenge.
The site faces threats from environmentalfactors, including the spread of lichen.

(06:49):
Lichen is that yellow green or sometimeswhite algae fungus looking substance that
you've probably seen on Stonewalkways.
Incredibly, that tiny organism has rootsthat penetrate surfaces, which causes
deterioration of a building long term.
Thankfully, there are gentle techniquesprofessional preservationists

(07:12):
can use to remove it safely.
Other issues include industrial pollutionand the harsh desert climate, all of
which have contributed to the gradualerosion of its intricate carvings.
Also, This area does experienceearthquakes, so more funding is
needed, moving forward, to ensure aconservation plan can be sustained.

(07:37):
Nonetheless, Persepolis endures as asymbol of the grandeur of the Achaemenid
Empire, providing invaluable insights intoPersian art, architecture, and governance.
Now, let's explore some tipsfor traveling to Persepolis.

(07:57):
On average, around one quarter of amillion people visit this site each year.
It's the most popular UNESCO site in Iran.
If you're flying in from anothercountry, check your country's government
website for entry requirements, suchas vaccines and travel advisories.
For example, the UnitedStates, where I live,

(08:20):
does not have an embassywithin the country.
So I would suggest enrollingin programs such as STEP.
In case you're wondering what clothingto pack, or trying to figure out the best
time of year to visit, in terms of theweather, the summers are hot and can get
up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with wintersgetting as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

(08:44):
The closest airport isShiraz International Airport.
International flights typicallyland in Tehran as a stopover.
From there, you can take a taxi toShiraz, which is where many stay.
You can't stay in Persepolis, andit's about an hour drive away.
in order to visit Persepolis.

(09:07):
And to go to Iran, you need to book atour with an authorized Iranian travel
agency for an escorted tour, again, ifyou're from North America and the UK.
So, essentially, you can't just goonline and buy a ticket for entrance.
Be sure to book your flight and tour aminimum of three to six months in advance.

(09:30):
The benefit, as always to this, is thata tour will be conducted in your native
language, along with the fact that theybook the bus tickets, or private vehicle,
hotel stay, can arrange visa service, plusarrival and departure from the airport.
Homestay sites are not an option forthose in the U. S. and U. K., so you'll

(09:55):
want to check for your specific country.
Know that there's a high levelof security at this site.
So you'll likely have to leave yourbag at the entrance or on the bus.
In case you were interested in seeingsome of the other well known sites while
in the area, you may want to book a tourthat also includes a stop at Pasagardae,

(10:17):
another UNESCO World Heritage Site
we haven't yet covered it.
It's an ancient city from the 6thcentury founded by Cyrus the Great.
I'll be sure to put a link in the shownotes so you can do more independent
research if you're planning a trip.
And of course, part of the experience istrying new foods and traditional dishes.

(10:42):
The national dish of Iran
is Chelow Kebab.
This is rice served withmarinated meat kebabs.
It's usually made with lamb,chicken, or beef, sliced or
cubed, and barbecued on skewers.
It's sometimes served with a thinPersian flatbread called lavash.

(11:05):
In terms of drinks, while coffee isconsumed, tea is traditionally served.
As Iran is a huge teamanufacturer domestically.
And don't expect to imbibe while you'rethere, because alcohol is prohibited.
One question I wanted to address.

(11:25):
I was asked whether there aretours that take you to the spots
where Hollywood movies werefilmed, and the short answer is no.
This is a common misconception.
While many feature films do takeplace in Persepolis as a setting, The
movies were not physically shot withinPersepolis due to strict regulations.

(11:48):
It would make for a gorgeous settingfor a blockbuster film, though.
Though war and the passage of timehave left a lasting legacy, Persepolis
remains an awe inspiring monument, aplace where the echoes of ancient Persia
still dance upon the weathered stonesand history breathes in every shadow.

(12:12):
Our next episode will bring us to PlitviceLakes National Park in Croatia, which is
filled with picturesque waterfalls, andunique flora and fauna and is the largest
and oldest national park in the country.
Come learn why this park is a mustdo for your travel bucket list.

(12:33):
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.