Persepolis: Hall of 100 Columns

Hall of Hundred Columns, Persepolis (Iran). Photo Jona Lendering.

Hall of Hundred Columns; in front the Garrison Quarters

Persepolis (Old Persian Pârsa, modern Takht-e Jamshid): Greek name of one of the capitals of the ancient Achaemenid empire, founded by the great king Darius (522-486 BCE). There were several satellite sites, like Naqš-i Rustam and Takht-e Rostam.

History

Photos

According to the inscription known as A1Pb, construction of the Hall of Hundred Columns at Persepolis (map 8) was started by the Achaemenid king Xerxes; the building was finished by his son and successor Artaxerxes I Makrocheir (465-424). This throne hall was Persepolis' second largest building, measuring 70 x 70 meters.

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Reconstruction

At an unknown moment, its function was changed and it became a store room, probably because the Treasuryhad become too small to contain all treasures that were hoarded in Persepolis. A new function may have been envisioned, however, because Artaxerxes III Ochus was building a new road and a new gate to the palace, suggesting that the Hall of Hundred Columns might have been used for audience.

A bull guarding the Hall of Hundred Columns. Photo Jona Lendering.

A bull at the northern gate

The entrance was to the north, where a portico was decorated by two large bulls. The entrances themselves - two on each of the four sides of the square building - were decorated with the usual motifs:. audience scenes, throne scenes, and "royal warriors" fighting against wild animals.

A satellite photo of the Hall of Hundred Columns is here.


One of the entrances	Audience scene on one of the entrances: the king receives the mayor of the palace	Courtiers	A soldier	"Royal Warrior"

One of the entrances of the Hall of Hundred Columns	One of the entrances	Throne scene on one of the entrances: the king and a servant with a fly whisk	Part of the canopy above the audience scene, decorated with flowers, bulls, and lions	People carrying the king's throne