A glorious past inspires a conflicted nation
National Geographic / Marguerite Del Giudice
16-Jul-2008 (2 comments)

What's so striking about the ruins of Persepolis in southern Iran, an ancient capital of the Persian Empire that was burned down by Alexander, is the absence of violent imagery on what's left of the stone walls. Among the carvings there are soldier, but they're not fighting; there are weapons but they are not drawn.  Mainly you see emblems suggesting that something humane went on here instead- people of different nations gathering peacefully, bearing gifts, draping their hands amiably on

one another's shoulders.  

In an era noted for its barbarity, Persepolis, it seems was a relatively cosmopolitan place- and for many Iranians today its ruins are a breathing reminder of who their Persian ancestors were and what they did.

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Persian Man

Very Refreshing

by Persian Man on

In an era of mass media frenzy to get on board with into berating Persians and Hollywood scrambling to get a new found market in movies like 300 and Alexander, it is refreshing to read Marguerite's gentle and informative article about Persia and how it relates to modern day Iran. 

 


Abarmard

Great article

by Abarmard on

How interesting and nicely written article. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thanks