A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
The Residences
An overview of the places designated as capitals by classical sources shows that, although they were perhaps similar in functioning as centers of local administration, their residences could well have had a significance for rulers of the Achaemenid dynasty that was as diverse as their respective outer appearances (metropolis, fortress, garden city). The idea of a seasonally determined cyclic relocation of the king between Persepolis, Ecbatana, Babylon, and Susa, which would to some extent entail an identity of function, is not supported by the written sources and especially not by the archeological record. So it is likely that diversity of function (embracing administrative and religious matters) played a part in causing the king to move from one place to another. But more detailed information on the issue is not available. There were presumably numerous other places within the empire that were of importance as temporary headquarters for the court itinérante.
The Residences
An overview of the places designated as capitals by classical sources shows that, although they were perhaps similar in functioning as centers of local administration, their residences could well have had a significance for rulers of the Achaemenid dynasty that was as diverse as their respective outer appearances (metropolis, fortress, garden city). The idea of a seasonally determined cyclic relocation of the king between Persepolis, Ecbatana, Babylon, and Susa, which would to some extent entail an identity of function, is not supported by the written sources and especially not by the archeological record. So it is likely that diversity of function (embracing administrative and religious matters) played a part in causing the king to move from one place to another. But more detailed information on the issue is not available. There were presumably numerous other places within the empire that were of importance as temporary headquarters for the court itinérante.
The Residences
Jacobs, Bruno (editor) / Rollinger, Robert (editor) / Jacobs, Bruno (author)
A Companion to the Achaemenid Persian Empire ; 1005-1034
2021-06-25
29 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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