Persepolis: My Visit to an Ancient City
Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persepolis
One of the most exciting parts of my trip in my hometown, Iran, was visiting Persepolis, or Takht-e Jamshid. This ancient city was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire, built over 2,500 years ago. I had seen pictures of it before, but seeing it in real life was something truly special.
The day I went to Persepolis, the weather was perfect—sunny and bright. As I got closer, I saw a big stone staircase leading to the entrance. Climbing the steps felt amazing, like I was walking in the footsteps of ancient kings and queens.
At the top, I entered the Gate of All Nations. It was a tall structure with two giant stone statues guarding the entrance. These statues looked like creatures from a storybook, half-man and half-bull. They were so big and detailed that I stopped to admire them for a long time.
As I walked around, I saw the ruins of grand palaces and halls. One of the most amazing places was the Apadana Palace. This huge hall, built by King Darius the Great, was used for big ceremonies. The tall stone columns still stand today, and each one has carvings of animals like lions and bulls. I could imagine how beautiful the palace must have been when it was complete.
The stone carvings on the walls were my favorite part. They showed people from different parts of the empire bringing gifts to the king. Each person wore different clothes and carried unique items, like animals or treasures. It was like looking at a history book carved in stone.
Another special place was the Tachara Palace, also called the “Palace of Darius.” The walls had ancient writing called cuneiform, which told stories about the king and his empire. Standing there made me feel like I had traveled back in time.
Before leaving, I climbed a hill nearby to see all of Persepolis from above. The view was incredible. I could see the ruins of the palaces and courtyards, all carefully designed. From that spot, I could imagine how grand and busy this city must have been in its time.
Visiting Persepolis was like stepping into history. It’s not just a place with old stones—it’s a reminder of how creative and smart people were even thousands of years ago. If you ever get the chance to visit Iran, make sure to see Persepolis. It’s a place full of stories and amazing sights, and it’s something you’ll never forget!
Edited by ChatGPT
