Apadana

The Apadana was a grand ceremonial palace located in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis. It served as the primary audience hall and reception area of the Achaemenid Empire. Construction of the Apadana began under King Darius I around 515 BCE and was completed by his son, Xerxes I, in the mid-5th century BCE. The structure is renowned for its immense scale and elaborate decorative program.

The Apadana consisted of a large central hall, measuring approximately 70 meters square, with 36 columns supporting its roof. This central hall was surrounded by porticoes on three sides. Two grand staircases, one on the north and one on the east, led up to the platform on which the Apadana was built. These staircases were richly adorned with bas-relief sculptures depicting processions of tribute bearers from across the empire, as well as scenes of the king and his court.

The columns of the Apadana were topped with elaborate capitals, often in the form of bulls or other mythical creatures. The walls and doorways were also decorated with intricate carvings, showcasing the wealth and power of the Achaemenid rulers. The Apadana was not merely a building but a symbolic representation of the vast and diverse empire, designed to impress visitors and convey the authority of the Persian king. It was a central point for diplomatic gatherings, royal ceremonies, and the reception of tribute.