uildings of
Pasargadae, which was regarded as a sacred city, whither the sovereigns
repaired for coronation as soon as their predecessors had expired.
But its lonely position and simple appointments no longer suited their
luxurious and effeminate habits, and Darius had in consequence fixed
his residence a few miles to the south of it, near to the village, which
after its development became the immense royal city of Persepolis. He
there erected buildings more suited to the splendour of his court, and
found the place so much to his taste during his lifetime, that he was
unwilling to leave it after death. He therefore caused his tomb to be
cut in the steep limestone cliff which borders the plain about half a
mile to the north-west of the town. It is an opening in the form of a
Greek cross, the upper part of which contains a bas-relief in which the
king, standing in front of the altar, implores the help of Ahura-mazda
poised with extended wings above him; the platform on which the king
stands is supported by two rows of caryatides in low relief, whose
features and dress are characteristic of Persian vassals, while other
personages, in groups of three on either side, are shown in the attitude
of prayer. Below, in the transverse arms of the cross, is carved a flat
portico with four columns, in the centre of which is the entrance to
the funeral vault. Within the latter, in receptacles hollowed out of the
rock, Darius and eight of his family were successively laid.

Xerxes caused a tomb in every way similar to be cut for himself near
that of Darius, and in the course of years others were added close by.*

* The tomb of Darius alone bears an inscription. Darius III.
was also buried there by command of Alexander.

[Illustration: 260.jpg THE TOMB OF DARIUS]

Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from the heliogravure by Marcel
Dieulafoy.

Both the tombs and the palace are built in that eclectic style which
characterises the Achaemenian period of Iranian art. The main features
are borrowed from the architecture of those nations which were vassals
or neighbours of the empire--Babylonia, Egypt, and Greece; but these
various elements have been combined and modified in such a manner as to
form a rich and harmonious whole.

[Illustration: 261.jpg THE HILL OF THE ROYAL ACHAEMENIAN TOMBS AT
NAKUSH-I-RUSTEM]

Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving of Flandin and Coste.

The core of the walls was of burnt bricks, similar