Lion and Bull – 60″ x 48″

There are two prominent stone reliefs that stand on the Eastern and Western Façades of the eastern and western staircases of the Palace of Darius, Tachara at Persepolis. Illumination, sunset- depicts the western staircase.

The images are very powerful. Many scholars and historians believe the figures of the lion and bull in combat symbolize rebirth or the coming of the New Year equivalent to the Vernal Equinox, also known as the celebration of Nowruz. The mighty lion represents the face of the sun pouncing on the bull, which represents the face of the moon. Both of the mythical creatures are immortal, expressing two kinds of immortality. The lion bringing the New Year with the light of the sun, and the bull representing the old year as the light dims.

Illumination – How will you shine?

Lion and Bull- 60″ x 48″

The prominent stone relief stand on the Eastern Façades of the eastern and western staircases of the Palace of Darius, Tachara at Persepolis. Illumination-sunrise, depicts the eastern staircase.

The images are very powerful. Many scholars and historians believe this figure symbolizes rebirth or the coming of the New Year equivalent to the vernal equinox- the celebration of Nowruz. The mighty lion represents the face of the sun pouncing on the bull, which represents the face of the moon. Both of the mythical creatures are immortal, expressing two kinds of immortality. The lion bringing the New Year with the light of the sun, and the bull representing the old year as the light dims.

Illumination – How will you shine?

Location: Pasargadae
A righteous ruler, Cyrus the Great instilled moral values and ethics in the Persian Empire from the very beginning.
This monument is located at Pasargadae, the first capital city of the Achaemenid dynasty, about 40 km north east of Persepolis.
The carving is in a “simple manner” which was typical of this early period.

Cyrus’s Inscription in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian

“ I am Cyrus the king, an Achaemenian.”

All Nations: African/Nubian with okapi 36″ x 24″

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern staircase
All Nations: African/Nubian delegate bearing gifts: an elephant tusk and leading an okapi, an animal from the southern region of the empire.
It is important to note that there were no slaves during the Achaemenid Dynasty. Every nationality, culture, and religion was equally respected.

All Nations: Lydian delegation with horses 36″ x 24″

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern staircase
Lydian representative is led by a Persian noble. They wore cloaks and large triangular shaped hats with a lock of hair dangling behind their ears. In this particular image, the delegation is bringing two horses pulling a chariot. Other Lydians also carry bowls and bracelets.

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern staircase.

Babylonian delegation ushered by a Median noble is presenting an ox to the king. He’s dressed in a fancy cloak with a fringe on the side and a triangular hat with a fringe on the back. Other Babylonian delegations carry lengths of textiles made of wool. An actual piece of textile with Persian motifs has been found preserved in ice in Siberia. It is now on display at the Hermitage Museum/ St. Petersburg, Russia.
Bactrian/Parthian is led by a Median usher. The Parthian wears a headband and a belt over a tunic with trousers tucked in boots. He’s carrying a metal drinking bowl of wine. There’s been a 20 cm golden bowl found in Iran and on display at the Iran National museum. Other images show Bactrians carrying beakers and a two-humped camel.

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern Staircase
All Nations: Ionian Greek and Assyrian representatives
Ionian Greek delegation is carrying a ball of wool as a gift for the king on Nowruz. He is ushered by a Persian noble. Ionians do not wear a hat or head covering of any sort. They wear garments with a fringe at the bottom.Other Ionians carry lengths of cloth and bowls.
Assyrian delegation is also ushered by a Persian noble and is offering two rams to the king as presents on Nowruz. The Assyrians wear simple hats and garments. They also carry oxen in the procession.

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern staircase
All Nations: Median and Persian nobles 36″ x 48″
This is a manifestation of the first two peoples who were united by Cyrus the Great when the Persian Empire began to take shape. Persians and Medians as brothers under one Empire. What the viewer will notice immediately are images of peace. There are no signs of violence and hostility. There are several reliefs on the walls of the staircases in Persepolis which attest to the amiable nature of the peoples who formed this nation. The nobles often hold lotus –like flowers to depict friendship and harmony.

This partial face spoke to me.  No eyes, yet the expression on his lips speak of pride.  The stone Persian rosettes are filled with hope.