Persepolis (Iran)

Persepolis, the magnificent ceremonial capital of ancient Persia's Achaemenid Empire, thrived from 518 BCE until Alexander the Great's forces burned it in 330 BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage Site's ruins showcase monumental staircases, towering columns, and intricate bas-reliefs that once symbolized Persian imperial power. The "City of Persians" served as the empire's spiritual heart, where subject nations presented tribute during lavish New Year festivals. Its sudden destruction preserved remarkable artifacts, including the iconic Gate of All Nations and Apadana Palace. Today, the surviving stone terraces and carvings at this Iranian archaeological treasure offer unparalleled insights into one of antiquity's greatest civilizations at its peak.