After an uncomfortable sleep we got up early and hit the road for Shiraz and Persepolis on a short 150k drive alongside a massive salt lake. We stopped in Shiraz, famous for it’s old vineyards for a quick kebab before reaching Persepolis.
Darius the Great began it’s creation in 1518BC and this vast complex served as the ceremonial epicenter of the Great Persian Empire. When completed, Persepolis was one of the ancient world’s great architectural masterpieces, with influences from all corners of the Empire in the hundreds of immense columns, intricate carvings and the imposing ‘Gate of Nations’. However, today, the site is only a shadow of it’s former self as most of it was destroyed by Alexander the Great’s army when they came to conquer the Persians. In fact, rumour has it that it’s demolition was as a result of an accidental fire caused by drunken revelers at one of Alexander’s parties.
Overlooking Persepolis
We hit the road again that afternoon on another long drive to Esfahan. We arrived late and found a hotel right beside the Imam Square, the second largest public square on Earth.
DAY 147 ROUTEMAP
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