SAEDNEWS: Step 2,500 Years Back! See how Darius the Great built the world’s grandest stone monument. From quarrying massive stones to carving legendary winged bulls, witness Achaemenid genius in a stunning reconstruction of Persepolis.
According to the History and Culture Service of Saed News, Persepolis—the architectural masterpiece of ancient Iran and the beating heart of the Achaemenid Empire—has stood as a symbol of Iranian glory and civilization for over two and a half millennia. This captivating video takes you on a journey through time, revealing the astonishing stages of constructing this monumental complex.
The building of Parsa (Persepolis) began around 518 BCE under the command of Darius the Great and continued under his successors, Xerxes and Artaxerxes I. The complex was erected atop a massive stone terrace, which in itself is an engineering marvel. In this breathtaking reconstruction, you witness the quarrying and transportation of enormous stone blocks from local mines, the movement of Lebanon cedar trunks for roofs and scaffolding, and the carving of exquisitely detailed bas-reliefs.
The video vividly illustrates how architects and skilled laborers from various civilizations across the empire—paid craftsmen, not slaves—used the advanced tools and techniques of their time, including pulleys, wheels, and metal clamps, to lift multi-ton blocks and position grandiose columns with precision. Persepolis was more than just a palace; it was a stage for grand celebrations—particularly Nowruz—and a testament to the power, peace, and unity of the nations under Persian rule. Watching this reconstruction offers a deeper appreciation of the engineering genius and artistic mastery of the Achaemenid era.