Tombs

The tomb of Cyrus the Great at Pasargadae: This tomb was built before the death of Cyrus in 530 B.C. It is unique in being the only example of internment in a structure in Persia.

The tombs of Darius and Xerxes at Naqsh-i Rustam: These are rock-cut tombs in a hill near Persepolis. They are all nearly identical. Both Darius and Xerxes were buried here. The other kings buried here were Artaxerxes I and Darius II (the king defeated by Alexander the Great). Each tomb has a portal with a frieze above it. The frieze shows the king worshipping Ahura-Mazda. The kings stands on a throne supported by representatives of conquered nations. Three vaults with burial niches for the royal family are inside each. The tomb of Darius was begun about 520 B.C. The scale of these tombs is immense.

tomb plan

the tomb of Cyrus the Great

the tomb of Darius