[Persepolis]

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (circa 550–330 BCE). It was located near the small river Pulvar, which flows into the Kur River. The capital was built upon a vast terrace, partly artificially constructed and partly cut out of a mountain, with its east side leaning on Rahmet Mountain. The other three sides are formed by retaining walls, which vary in height with the slope of the ground. Rising from 15 to 45 feet on the west side was a double stair, and from there, it gently sloped to the top.