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Achaemenian Period Collection

The Achaemenian period, also known as the Persian Empire, was a significant era in ancient history

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Persian limestone bull's head

Persian limestone bull's head
5305180 Persian limestone bull's head.; (add.info.: Persian limestone bull's head from the Achaemenian Period. Dated 5th Century BC.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Map of the empire of Darius (tribute paying countries) at its greatest extent, 1936

Map of the empire of Darius (tribute paying countries) at its greatest extent, 1936
7125141 Map of the empire of Darius (tribute paying countries) at its greatest extent, 1936; (add.info.: Map of the empire of Darius (tribute paying countries) at its greatest extent. Darius I, c

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Ruins of Persepolis (engraving)

Ruins of Persepolis (engraving)
8635123 Ruins of Persepolis (engraving) by German School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ruins of Persepolis, ceremonial capital of the Persian Achaemenid Empire)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Entrance of the Persian royal palace (engraving)

Entrance of the Persian royal palace (engraving)
8635121 Entrance of the Persian royal palace (engraving) by German School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Entrance of the Persian royal palace. Illustration from Hellas)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)

Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)
CUL4906289 Story of Cyrus II The Great, c.1590 (tapestry) by Belgian School, (16th century); (add.info.: Story of Cyrus: Astyages recognizes Cyrus. ca. 1590. (343 x 316 cm)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)

Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)
CUL4906505 Story of Cyrus II The Great, c.1590 (tapestry) by Belgian School, (16th century); (add.info.: Story of Cyrus: Combat between two warriors and the death of Cyrus. ca. 1590. (337 x 255 cm)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)

Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)
CUL4906245 Story of Cyrus II The Great, c.1590 (tapestry) by Belgian School, (16th century); (add.info.: Story of Cyrus: Astyages recognizes Cyrus. ca. 1590. (343 x 316 cm)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)

Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)
CUL4906337 Story of Cyrus II The Great, c.1590 (tapestry) by Belgian School, (16th century); (add.info.: Story of Cyrus: Astyages recognizes Cyrus. ca. 1590. (343 x 316 cm)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)

Story of Cyrus II The Great, c. 1590 (tapestry)
CUL4906299 Story of Cyrus II The Great, c.1590 (tapestry) by Belgian School, (16th century); (add.info.: Story of Cyrus: Astyages recognizes Cyrus. ca. 1590. (343 x 316 cm)

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Detail of a relief from the front of the eastern stairway of the Apadana (Audience Hall

Detail of a relief from the front of the eastern stairway of the Apadana (Audience Hall
XIR189484 Detail of a relief from the front of the eastern stairway of the Apadana (Audience Hall) depicting a camel driver with his camel, c.515 BC (stone) by Achaemenid, (550-330 BC); Persepolis

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: Relief depicting Xerxes I (c. 519-465 BC) with two attendants (stone)

Relief depicting Xerxes I (c. 519-465 BC) with two attendants (stone)
XIR184027 Relief depicting Xerxes I (c.519-465 BC) with two attendants (stone) by Achaemenid, (550-330 BC); Persepolis, Iran; Iranian, out of copyright

Background imageAchaemenian Period Collection: View of the east staircase of the Apadana (Audience Hall) c. 515 BC (photo)

View of the east staircase of the Apadana (Audience Hall) c. 515 BC (photo)
XIR214811 View of the east staircase of the Apadana (Audience Hall) c.515 BC (photo) by Achaemenid, (550-330 BC); Persepolis, Iran; Iranian, out of copyright



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The Achaemenian period, also known as the Persian Empire, was a significant era in ancient history. It was during this time that Cyrus II The Great rose to power and established one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. The tapestry depicting his story from around 1590 provides us with a glimpse into his remarkable life. Cyrus II The Great was a visionary leader who united various tribes and conquered neighboring lands, creating an empire that stretched from Asia Minor to India. His military prowess and diplomatic skills were unparalleled, allowing him to rule over diverse cultures and peoples. The tapestry showcases key moments from Cyrus' life, highlighting his triumphs and achievements. We see him leading his army into battle, displaying strategic brilliance on the battlefield. His charisma is evident as he interacts with his subjects, earning their loyalty and respect. One particular detail captured in stone relief depicts Xerxes I, who succeeded Cyrus as king. This artwork portrays Xerxes accompanied by two attendants, symbolizing the grandeur of the Achaemenian court. Through these artistic representations, we gain insight into the opulence of the Achaemenian period. Intricate tapestries adorned palaces while stunning reliefs decorated monumental structures like the Apadana (Audience Hall). These artworks served not only as decorative elements but also as propaganda tools to showcase imperial power. The Achaemenians left behind an enduring legacy of administrative efficiency and cultural exchange. They promoted religious tolerance within their vast empire while encouraging trade along well-established routes such as the Silk Road.