Apadana

 

The Apadana was an audience hall built by Darius the great of the Achaemenid empire in Persepolis (ceremonial capital) now modern day Iran.

Persepolis in modern Iran.

There were more than 20 nations subject to the empire, from Egypt and ancient Kush to Anatolia in the West and Indus Valley to the East. The Apadana served as the receiving hall for tributes from these nations.

How it would have looked with roof.

As the Apadana in Persepolis was being built, the Apadana in Susa was constructed concurrently. One of the inscriptions found in the archeological sites detailed  Darius’ command of humans and resources “...cedars from Lebanon, gold from Sardis, ebony from Egypt...”

The Apadana was built as stone columns, majestic stairs and reliefs depicting subject nations. The legacy of its style was reflected in subsequent dynasties. 

Now, after excavations, Apadana’s columns survive as a testament to the might of the Achaemenids (ancient Persians.) 

# All pictures copied from Wikipedia 😂