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Persepolis - Tomb of Artaxerxes III

Unless otherwise indicated, pictures on this page © Marco Prins and Jona Lendering. Photos can be downloaded and used for non-commercial purposes, but you have to acknowledge Livius.
The Tomb of Artaxerxes III at Persepolis. Photo Marco Prins. There are six finished Achaemenid royal tombs. Four of them have been discovered at Naqš-i Rustam, two at Persepolis. The four at Naqš-i Rustam belong to Darius I, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I Makrocheir, and Darius II Nothuss. The Persepolis tombs, which are younger, must belong to the next two kings, Artaxerxes II Mnemon (404-358) and Artaxerxes III Ochus (358-338).
The tomb of Artaxerxes III, seen from the Council hall. Photo Marco Prins. The tomb seen from the Council hall, and seen from outer space.
The Tomb of Artaxerxes III at Persepolis. Photo Marco Prins. The tomb on this webpage (map #10) is usually attributed to Artaxerxes III, but may in fact be that of king Artaxerxes II Mnemon. If this sarcophagus indeed belonged to the third Artaxerxes, this room may also have served as last resting place of Artaxerxes IV Arses and Darius III Codomannus, because their never received a proper burial.
The Tomb of Artaxerxes III at Persepolis. Photo Marco Prins. The upper part of the tomb, showing the king sacrificing to the eternal, sacred fire and the supreme god Ahuramazda. He stands on a platform that is carried by people that represent the subject nations.
The Tomb of Artaxerxes III at Persepolis. Photo Marco Prins. One of the capitals of the pilasters of this tomb, showing bulls carrying the roof. The same design was applied in the palaces and audience halls of Persepolis. It is interesting to note that the motif of "carrying" is repeated on the upper level, where people carry the platform with the king.
Fourth-century relief from Egypt, showing an Achaemenid king, probably identical to Artaxerxes III Ochus. Allard Pierson Museum, Amsterdam (Holland). Photo Jona Lendering. Fourth-century relief from Egypt, showing an Achaemenid king, probably identical to Artaxerxes III Ochus. Allard Pierson Museum, Amsterdam (Holland). It is the only real-life portrait of an Achaemenid ruler.
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