Coordinates of Persepolis: Ancient Persian Ceremonial Capital

Persepolis (Takht-e Jamshid), the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE), is located in present-day Iran, about 60 km northeast of Shiraz in Fars Province.

Exact Coordinates

29°56′09″ N, 52°52′16″ E (29.9358° N, 52.8711° E)

Site Overview

• Elevation: 1,200 m (3,937 ft) in the Marvdasht Plain.
• Area: 125,000 m² (1.25 hectares) of monumental terraces.
• UNESCO World Heritage: Inscribed 1979.

Major Structures

• Apadana Palace: Largest audience hall; 72 columns; famous reliefs of tribute-bearers.
• Throne Hall (Hall of 100 Columns): Imperial reception hall.
• Treasury: Stored tribute gold, silver, ivory; archives of clay tablets.
• Palaces of Darius I, Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I.
• Tombs of Artaxerxes II & III (rock-cut, nearby at Naqsh-e Rustam).

Historical Significance

Founded by Darius I (518 BCE), expanded by Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Symbolized imperial unity—representatives from 23 nations depicted bringing tribute. Sacked by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE; lay buried until 1930s excavations (Herzfeld, Schmidt).

Visiting

• Nearest Airport: Shiraz International (SYZ) — 1 hr drive.
• Best Season: Spring (Mar–May) or Autumn (Sep–Nov); summers exceed 40°C.
• Guides: Highly recommended for deciphering reliefs and layout.