The City Itself
Persepolis was one of numerous capital cities in which empire?
Persian / Achaemenid
Who was the first King of the lineage of Kings associated with Persepolis.
Cyrus
This grand audience hall was one of the largest structures at Persepolis.
Apadana
The carvings on the Apadana staircase depict people doing this.
bringing tribute to the king
Provided a written description of the satrap system.
Herodotus
In which modern country is Persepolis?
Iran
What is the tribal name given to the dynasty associated with the city?
Achaemenid
This gate symbolised the empire’s multiculturalism and was used by visitors entering the city.
Gate of All Nations
Name the god that often appears alongside Darius within the winged disc known as the faravahar.
Ahuramazda
Who was responsible for dividing the empire into administrative regions known as 'satrapies'?
Darius I
What does the name 'Persepolis' roughly translate to?
City of Persian/Persian city etc
This king expanded Persepolis and completed many of its iconic buildings, including the Hall of 100 Columns.
Xerxes
Name the building. Often mistakenly referred to as a 'female quarters of the King'.
The Harem
The use of high-relief carvings and grand staircases were examples of this form of visual persuasion.
(Monumental) propaganda
According to Herodotus, how many satrapies were there?
20
Name 3 other important cities of Persia.
Susa, Babylon, Pasagardae, Ecbatana, Sardis
What important evidence do we deduce when viewing Darius palace (Tachara) in comparison to Xerxes' (Hadish)?
Xerxes was trying to show his power and claim to throne by building a palace as twice as large as his Father.
Name the building. Extremely ornate and beautiful and supported by numerous columns up to 20 metres high. Destroyed completely, however.
The Hall of 100 Columns
What important relief was constructed to display power and might of Darius?
Bihistun Inscription
Which of the following does not support evidence of the satrap system? a. The Apadana. b. The Gate of All Nations. c. The Hall of a Hundred Columns. d. Treasury
C. The Hall of a Hundred Columns - Its use is not so well defined, and the reliefs mostly concern kingship.
This was the primary purpose of Persepolis during the Achaemenid period according to one historian?
Centre of Persian power, wealth and status - MC Root
Built to celebrate the Now Ruz (Persian New Year) festival - E. Herzfeld
Who was 'Smerdis' (also known as 'Gaumata'), why did he impersonate 'Bardiya' and what does it have to do with the Faravahar and Ahuzamazda?
Smerdis / Gaumata was an imposter to the throne who Darius killed. Due to questions over Darius' legitimacy, he then often appeared with the Faravahar and Ahuramazda to show legitimacy.
Though there is little evidence that supports the hypothesis, state three reasons why the buildings known as ' Xerxes Harem' have that title.
- Relief of Xerxes entering with eunuch.
- Uniform design of 'apartments'.
- Built within 'inner' palace section.
- Inscription from Xerxes.
Name three key reliefs we have looked at so far, where they are located, and what they show.
Answers may vary but can include:
- Apadana northern staircase showing dignitaries bringing tribute.
- Xerxes and attendants from Harem.
- Immortals from Triplon.
- Bihistun inscription
- Treasury relief
What administrative regulation was used to ensure the Achaemenid's remained in power using the satrap system?
Satraps were appointed from the ruling family or their associates, meaning they were Persian.