Persepolis
Persepolis, Iran
Many scholars believe that Persepolis was primarily a ceremonial center for kings of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Construction is thought to have begun in 515 BC. Persepolis was destroyed by Alexander the Great in about 330 BC. The images here are primarily bas reliefs from the remains of a ceremonial stairway to what was once the Apadana Palace, depicting emissaries from throughout the empire bearing oils, wines, animals and other ceremonial gifts for presentation to the king.