SAEDNEWS: The stone lions of Persepolis are a masterpiece of Achaemenid art, carved with exquisite detail. Their expressions seem to shift from smiling to fierce depending on the viewing angle, possibly symbolizing nature’s duality, human complexity, or ancient beliefs.
According to the History and Culture section of Saed News, this video shows a stone lion from the Achaemenid era with a truly fascinating feature. When you look at the lion from the side, its face appears completely fierce and serious, as if ready to attack and roar. But as the camera moves to the front of the statue, a remarkable transformation occurs: the lion’s face seems to smile, radiating kindness and warmth. This shift from anger to friendliness, achieved solely through a change in perspective, showcases the pure artistry of ancient Iran.
In my opinion, this is no accident—it reflects the extraordinary ingenuity of the architects of Persepolis. It seems they intended to convey a special message: to outsiders or enemies who see it from the side, Iran appears formidable and intimidating; but to its own people and those who face it directly as friends, it reveals a gentle, smiling expression. The careful shading and mastery of perspective in this sculpture, crafted thousands of years ago, demonstrate that their mathematical and visual understanding was centuries ahead of the rest of the world.
