Pasargadae site
In the 6th century B.C, Cyrus the Great, the great man of history, founded the Achaemenian Dynasty and a large plain in the heart of pars, Pasargadae site became the capital of the history’s first ever Great Emperor. It is an ancient complex, including a large number of structures which was remained from the first capital of the Achaemenid era that belongs historically to three periods: Prehistoric and Pre-Achaemenid monuments, Achaemenid era, Islamic monuments. The complex is the fifth Iranian monument on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
History
The tomb of Cyrus the Great, the father of all Iranian, Which is belonged to the ancient monument of Pasargadae as the earliest capital of the Achaemenid -first Persian Empire- show the glorious civilization of the nation. The structure was unfinished because Cyrus died in a battle and he could not finish it as he wanted. It stands as an exceptional witness to the Achaemenid civilization. The vast Achaemenid Empire, which extended from the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt to the Hindus River in India, is considered the first empire to be characterized by a respect for the cultural diversity of its peoples.
According to Strabo (Greek Geographer), it was built by Cyrus II the Great (559-529 BC) in 550 on the Pasargadae site where he won the battle against the King of the Medes (His grandfather) Astyage (585-550 BC). However, this interpretation is today questionable because the battle of this site is not the last war against the Medes. There are other dates for the creation of this city according to different sources. The city remained the capital of the Empire until the reign of Darius I (522-486) who built Persepolis. Artaxerxes II (404-359) was crowned at Pasargadae. The role of the city in the political-administrative organization of the Achaemenid Empire remains rather unknown and we do not know whether it was a second capital, a religious center or a second administrative center.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great
The most important and vital monument in Pasargadae is the small tomb of Cyrus the Great, located on the south-west of the city. It is a small six-storey square mausoleum leading to the sepulcher, covered with a double creeping roof. The burial chamber, 3.17 meters long and 2.11 meters wide and 2.11 meters high, has a narrow entrance. Although there is no compelling evidence to identify the grave as that of Cyrus II, Greek historians tell us that it has been venerated throughout history by all leaders.
Different Parts of Pasargadae Site
Tomb of Cyrus the Great (A simple, beautiful and impressive monument that still stands steadily in the midst of the Murghab plain over 25 centuries), The Private Palace; Cyrus Residence with an area of 3192 square meters and The Audience Palace that was the reception palace, where the king welcomed the guests and officials of the various nations under his rule to talk about various issues.
Architecture
It is a certificate of Achaemenid architecture, a synthetic representation of different cultures. Its palaces, gardens and the mausoleum of Cyrus are outstanding examples of this area. The “Four Gardens” type of royal ensemble, which was created in Pasargadae, became a prototype for Western Asian architecture and design.