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In 1979 the ancient
ruined city of Persepolis
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became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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An animation shows how it was likely
to have looked 2500 years ago.
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This is Persepolis in the 6th century BC
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at the time of the Persian King
Darius the First.
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It lies at the foot of a mountain
on a rocky plateau.
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This terrace is part natural
and part constructed,
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a grandiose creation.
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Persepolis served to represent the ruler
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through the so-called
gate of all countries
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once a year, delegations of the conquered
people entered the palace district.
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In a procession they brought
their gifts to the Persian king.
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The Persian architects
were great masters of their art.
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We come to huge halls built
on amazingly narrow columns
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spanned by light roofs.
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The throne hall was reached
via a huge staircase
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that was beautifully decorated.
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Alexander the Great conquered
the residential city in 330 BC
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and allowed it to be
burnt down completely.
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Traces of the fire can still be seen today
on the partially rebuilt ruins
