Episode 7 The Persian Capitals and Palaces

The Persian Empire

Dr John W I Lee (2012)

Film Review

Under Darius I, Persia had five capitols: Pasargardae, Ecbatana, Babylon, Susa and Persepolis

• Pasargardae – located in highland fertile valley (6,000 feet) on important trade route conemporary Fars province of Fars. Built by Cyrus, palace takes up 400 acres, encompassing sacrificial altars, tomb of Cyrus II and tent space for garrison protecting it. Architecture manifests Egyptian, Elamite, Median, Babylonian, Lydian, Ionian influence.
• Ecbatana (former capitol of Media) – on highland fertile plains, enabling Persian control over Silk Road and Mediterranean horse and wheat trade. Several palace buildings had silver roofs, as an effective way of storing precious metal.
• Babylon – located in Mesopotamian plain (at a time when Euphrates river still crossected it. Had 100,000 population and named streets laid out in grid pattern. Darius designated himself king of Babylon and professed allegiance to Babylonian god Marduke.
• Susa (setting for for the Biblical story Esther) – Darius rebuilt the palace in Susa from bricks owing to a shortage of stone. Chosen for its strategic military access to Babylon Persian Gulf (via Persian river network). Expansive tent space for troops when king in residence.
• Persepolis – built by Darius just south of Pasagardae, palace complex reveals strong Egyptian influence

https://www.kanopy.com/en/pukeariki/watch/video/15372393/15372448