Art and Archaeology Posters

Our Art and Archaeology table at Ancient Iran Day 2018 was designed to showcase the artifacts and architecture created in and around Ancient Iran. We also wanted to help visitors gain a better understanding of the process of archaeology, not only fieldwork, but also research and publication. Books on display included aerial photography of ancient Iranian sites and surveys of Iranian art. In the activity room, visitors could handle and learn how to draw real ceramic sherds belonging to the NELC Department’s study collection (legally approved).

Right: Volunteer and undergraduate archaeology major Aegron Ethen talks to an attendee at the Art and Archeology table

All posters are free to download and use.

From their seat in Susa, Elamite kings ruled an empire in southwestern Iran, conducting wars against Mesopotamian powers to the west and producing art that influenced styles in the area for generations.

After his death, Cyrus, celebrated founder of the Achaemenid Empire, was buried in a magnificent stone tomb at Pasargadae. Well-known even in the ancient world, the tomb once held a golden casket and luxurious Babylonian fabrics.

During Alexander of Macedon's campaign across the Achaemenid Empire, his troops burned Persepolis. Greek writers attached to the Macedonian court allow us to glimpse the Persian capital's lost splendor.

A Palace with the Blessing of the Gods.jpg

Monumental in scope and grandeur, Persepolis was built as a statement of the Achaemenid dynasty's imperial mandate and devotion to Ahura Mazda and other Zoroastrian deities.

Achaemenid rulers transported artisans and resources from every corner of their empire to decorate their capitals. One inscription from Susa boasts of cedars from Lebanon, Babylonian architects, and Egyptian gold.

A Sasanian Visit to the Ruins of Persepolis.jpg

Hundreds of years after Persepolis was burned, its ruins became a source of both grief and imperial ambition for the Sasanians, who hoped to restore the glory of their ancient predecessors.

The Sasanians built monuments to their own accomplishments as well, such as this massive carving of Shapur I receiving an emblem of rulership from Ahura Mazda. Though following the footsteps of Achaemenid carvers, Sasanian artists nonetheless developed a style distinct to their own era.