Persepolis collection

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Behind ancient Persepolis's sprawling compound stands a trio of impressive sepulchers chiseled out of a rocky hillside. The elaborately decorated facades are stunningly adorned with intricate reliefs, although one of them remains woefully incomplete. Approximately thirteen kilometers northeast lies the rugged Pulvar River valley, where on the opposite side rises an unyielding rock wall - within this perpendicular structure are four striking tombs carved remarkably high from the valley's bottom floor. Modern Iranians fondly refer to this unique location as Naqsh-e Rustam (Rustam Relief), in tribute to a pair of magnificent Sasanian reliefs set beneath the imposing tomb entrance, believed to represent the enigmatic mythological hero Rostam. Evidently drawn from these dramatic sculptures are the lives of these seven burial chambers' occupiers, each having been powerful kings at some point. A compelling inscription on one of these tombs boldly declares that Darius I is laid to rest here, a man concerning whom ancient historian Ctesias once shared tales about his death, saying his remains could only be accessed with the aid of sturdy ropes. Ctesias' accounts further shed light upon multiple Persian kings who either took their remains back home or succumbed to their earthly bonds on foreign soil.