Power and Image through the sources at Persepolis

What does the inscription in Source G suggest about the extent of Darius’ empire?

It suggests Darius ruled over many nations across the mainland, by the sea, and across the sea, emphasising the vast magnitude of the Persian Empire.

What is Source G?

King Darius Inscription

What title demonstrates Darius’ authority over other rulers?

“King of Kings”, showing that Darius ruled over other kings and nations.

How does the inscription explain Darius’ success and power?

It presents his power as the result of Ahura Mazda’s favour, legitimising his rule through divine support.

What did the nations under Darius provide to him?

They provided fear and tribute, demonstrating their submission to Persian authority.

What does the depiction of nations bringing offerings/tribute communicate?

It communicates that the subject peoples recognised Darius’ authority and were subordinate to him

Does the inscription suggest Darius destroyed the nations he conquered?

No. It suggests he held power over many different nations while allowing them to continue to exist, presenting Persian rule as relatively peaceful and ordered.

What is the main purpose of the inscription?

To display and reinforce Darius’ imperial power, reminding visitors of the vastness of his empire and his authority over its peoples.

Why was the inscription particularly significant at Persepolis?

It reveals Persepolis as a place designed to publicise and display Persian imperial power.

How does the receipt of tribute reinforce Darius’ status?

It demonstrates a hierarchical relationship in which subject nations provide wealth to the king, reinforcing his superiority and authority.

What broader idea about Persepolis does Source G reveal?

Persepolis was not simply a functional palace; it was a carefully constructed display of imperial power, wealth and authority.

What is Source D?

Hall of 100 Columns Relief

What do the different people represented in the relief symbolise?

The different nations of the Persian Empire, showing the diversity and extent of Darius’ rule.

What does the subjects’ role of supporting the king symbolise?

That all parts of the empire contributed to and supported the king, working together under common Persian leadership.

How does the relief physically position the king above his subjects?

The king is placed above the subjects, visually reinforcing his superiority and authority.

What is significant about the king’s feet not touching the ground?

It elevates the king above ordinary people, suggesting his exceptional status and power.

Why is the king depicted as proportionally larger than the subjects?

His larger size visually communicates that he is more powerful and important than those beneath him.

What does the throne and canopy communicate about the king?

They communicate his power, wealth, status and authority as ruler.

How does the relief demonstrate Persian control over different nations?

The different peoples are shown supporting the king, symbolising their submission to and participation in the Persian imperial system.

What does the relief suggest about the relationship between the Persian king and his subjects?

It presents a mutually beneficial relationship, where subject peoples support the king while being incorporated into the wider empire.

How does architecture contribute to the message of the relief?

The large scale and elevated position of the relief make the king appear powerful and dominant over visitors.

Why is the height of the relief significant?

Its height above visitors physically reinforces the hierarchy between the powerful king and ordinary people.