Persepolis: Shiraz

The once capital of Persian kingdom during Achaemenid dynasty, Persepolis is the ruins of a great city situated around 70 km from Shiraz. Remains of Persepolis indicate that the entire city was built sometime around 515 century BC. The area is strewn with ruins of numerous palaces belonging to different emperors of that time. The most important ruin in Persepolis is that of the Palace with 100 columns, which was also called as the 'Throne Hall'. The city was built on a part natural & part artificial terrace; the artificial part is supposed to be built by Darius The Great. All the structures are made of dark gray marble and and architecture provides an insight into the Mesopotamian culture as much of the constructions in inspired by Mesopotamian styles.