The Gate of all Nations
Posted on 03/15/2007 11:07:07 AM PDT by freedom44
Persepolis ( Parsa), the spiritual center of the first world power in recorded history, was the vision of the emperor Darius (Dariush) the Great who set forth his plan of a multi-cultural state in which a diversity of ideas took precedence over dictatorial oppression.
The spirit of Achemaenid rule from which Cyrus (Kourosh) the Great founded the Persian Empire (from approximately 559 B.C.) is best conveyed through the words of Darius :
“... I will not tolerate that the weak shall suffer injustices brought upon them by the mighty. What is just pleases me. ... You, my subjects , must not assume what the powerful undertake as sublime. What the common man achieves is much more extraordinary.”
The air of tolerance, leniency and dignity of mankind are manifest in the artistic symbolism of the architecture of Persepolis . In 520 B.C., Darius , aware of the moral responsibilities of the state over which he reigned, called upon architects and artisans from every corner of his vast kingdom – from Libya and Egypt to India, from the Danube to the Indus , from the Caucasus Mountains to the Asiatic Steppes and from the Aral Sea to the Persian Gulf to work together with Persian architects to create something never before seen yet unmistakably Persian.
It is only through this type of master planning - born not of any single, preexisting architectural concept or idea - that a architecture could arise whose grandeur leaves little doubt as to its place as one of the greatest wonders of the Ancient world.
BUMP!
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Yes, this is in southwestern Asia....but probably won't be picked up by the Middle East pinglists.
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From all over the world to make something distinctly American.
Disagree with Persepolis being the religious center, but interesting article.
Thanks for the ping, cool site!
Bump and bookmarking for reference. Thanks!
"the spiritual center.."
The ancient Persians were Zoroastrians who were montheists and worshipped one God. They believed in angels, a resurrection of the dead, a last judgment, the coming of a Messiah, the world as the site of a conflict between the forces of God and the forces of Evil.
Zoroastrianism had an impact on post-exilic Judaism and later Christianity with many of its ideas.
Zoroastrians and other ancient religions often have an uncanny resemblance to Judeo-Christianity. Some take this as a sharing of ideas. Others (such as Christians) take this as evidence that all peoples originally had information about God and the Messiah, and the hope of the Gospel, even if over time this information was somewhat lost or corrupted.
Anyone interested in the ancient civilizations who is visiting Chicago should go by the Oriental Institute down on the UofC campus. Fantastic displays from Babylon, Persia and Eygpt are there.
That is true many believe that the three wise men were Zoroastrian. I have read the translation of the Avesta Zoroastrian holy book it mentions the coming of the next Prophet born under a star. It is a remarkable prediction in the Avesta.
If you get the chance to order a translated version of the Avesta do so. It is fascinating.
Bump
The three wise men have been said to be Zoroastrians.
The Persian Empire fell to Alexander and Persepolis was burned to the ground. Sometimes, history has the final word on man's intentions.
What?
-Bruce
Actually Persepolis is still there as are many of the historical sites. Athens was also burnt and the Greek Empire fell as well. What is your point?
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