Explain the significance of Persepolis in Xerxes reign.
Persepolis was regarded as the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, containing buildings of enormous scale, sculptured reliefs, imposing facades, monumental gateways and staircases.
Although the exact significance of Persepolis is unclear, upon analyzing the excessive and extravagant pieces of evidence from the site, we can better understand the significance this particular city imposed during Xerxes’s reign.
According to various sources, we can draw that each region of Persepolis had its own significance, ranging from residency to exhibition of Persian treasures.
Persepolis comprised a region dedicated to hold official audiences and also for exhibition and storage.
The Apadana was initiated by Darius and completed by Xerxes, it was situated to the west of Persepolis.
The Apadana was a 60-metre hall that could have accommodated up to 10000 people.
The largest and arguably the most spectacular complex, the Apadana needed thirty-six columns to support the 25 metre high roof.
At the south side there was a series of rooms that were built for storage.
According to Herodotus, plenty of the treasures that Persian possessed would have been kept here.
It is assumed that the Hall of a Hundred Columns had a similar purpose to that of the Apadana.
This 70 by 70 metre hall was started by Xerxes and completed by Artaxerxes, it had eight stone doorways that were decorated with reliefs of throne scenes and depictions of Xerxes fighting demons.
This structure was apparently used for receptions of military commanders and representatives of all the subject nations of the empire.
Later on, the Hall of a Hundred columns served as an imperial museum.
The Treasury is another addition to Persepolis, it was adjacent to the Hall of a Hundred Columns.
The Treasury served as an armory and as a royal storehouse of the Achaemenian kings.
The tremendous wealth stored here came from the booty of conquered nations and from the annual tribute sent by the peoples of the empire to the king on the occasion of the New Years feast.
The most spacious room of the treasury was used as a Court of Reception, which is supported by two large reliefs.
These structures within Persepolis contributed significance during Xerxes reign through accommodating audiences and being utilized as a space for storage and exhibition.
Persepolis held buildings for the sole purpose of residence.
The palace of Darius had 12 columns to support the roof of the central hall from which three small stairways descend.
The palace of Xerxes is much larger than the palace of Darius.
Although it is believed that these palaces weren’t permanent residences, reliefs support the idea that these complexes were only to accommodate the king.
The Harem of Xerxes provided a similar sense of significance.
Here was where the royal ladies lived.
The Harem was constructed in an L-shaped form, the main wing was oriented north-south; the west wing extended westward from the southern portion of the main wing.
The nucleus of the main wing was a large centrally placed columned hall with a portico facing a spacious courtyard on the north.
The hall had four doorways whose jambs were decorated with reliefs.
South of the columned hall, the main wing contained six apartments arranged in two rows.
Each apartment consisted of a large pillared room and one or sometimes two smaller rooms.
The west wing contained sixteen additional apartments, similarly laid out.
Through accommodating the king’s and various royal ladies, these structures provided residence.
Herzfeld believed the reasons behind the construction of Persepolis were the need for a majestic atmosphere, a symbol for their empire, and to celebrate special events, especially the "Nowruz"
Royal summer residence
Wolfgang Lentz: Persepolis was built in connection with the vernal equinox
James George: Persepolis was built in connection with the summer solstice.
Akbar Tadvidi: Sacred and symbolic place for the Persians in the heart of their homeland.
Place to pay tribute to the King
Administrative centre
Focus on religious ritual
Site of a No-Ruz gift-giving ceremony
Important point on the trade route from Susa, according to inscriptions.
King receives dignitaries and guests: Apadana
Symbol of Persian power
