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Richard Stone | profile | all galleries >> Middle East >> Iran >> Persepolis, Iran >> Apadana Eastern Portico, Southern Staircase, Persepolis >> Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis


This is one of the 23 delegations (satrapies) shown bringing offerings to the King during the New Year (Nou Rutz) festival.
The bas relief of each delegation provides valuable insight into the clothes and gifts from each region at that time.

The Amyrgian Scythians (Sogdians) are 1st from the left (6th from the right) on the middle tier of the Apadana stairway.
Known to the Persians as Saka they lived close to Bactria and Sogdiana. They venerated the Haoma plant which is important in Zoroastrianism.

They are represented by 4 members, and bring 2 short swords, armlets, a stallion and battle axes.

The original bas relief is shown in one of the photographs (with low tonal range due to the shade).
The other photographs have been digitally enhanced by blurring the background in order to reveal their otherwise hidden beauty.
I hope you find them as fascinating as I do.

Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Original Image - Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Original Image - Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis - Levels adjusted
Gandharians, Apadana Staircase, Persepolis - Levels adjusted