Tehran – The stone fragments believed to originate from Persepolis have been officially handed over to the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Bureau of Fars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mohammad Sabet-Eqlidi, who will host the director, confirmed that the stone was discovered on the evening of April 2nd (Farvardin 13, the final day of the Nowruz holiday). Historically known as the city of Parse, the area is rich in surface and underground archaeological sites.
“The work was discovered within the boundaries of the Persepolis complex,” Sabet Ecridi said, noting that there was no damage or theft from the original structure. “The stones were not removed or plundered from their original location,” he emphasized.
He further explained that due to the historical significance of parsey, considered to be one of the world’s most precious heritage, it is not uncommon for ancient crafts to resurface over time, especially in areas with frequent foot traffic.
The stone was voluntarily handed over to the authorities by the individual who discovered it, providing a positive example of public cooperation in preserving the heritage.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Sabet-Eqlidi also announced plans for a new archaeological excavation in the area, which is expected to begin within the current Persian calendar year.
The Persepolis royal family ranks as an archeological site that is not comparable, given its unique architecture, urban planning, construction technology and art. Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, is a spectacular ruin at the foot of Kuh-e Rahmat (Mountain of Mercy) located 60 kilometers northeast of Shiraz city in Fars.
The reason it burned in 330 BC by Alexander the Great was because the Persian king apparently burned the Greek city of Athens 150 years ago. The city’s enormous terraces began around 518 BC by Darius the Great, king of the Achemenid Empire. On this terrace, successive kings have built a series of architecturally stunning palace buildings, including the giant Apadana Palace and the throne hall (“100 rows of halls”).
With its majestic approach, monumental staircases, throne (Appadana), reception rooms and dependencies, this 13-HA ensemble is categorized as the world’s largest archaeological site. Persepolis was the seat of the government of the Achaemenid Empire, but was primarily designed as a show place and epic center for the king and his empire’s receptions and festivals.
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