The friezes from Persepolis

Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BC) and is a World Heritage Site. It is situated 60 km northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran. The friezes from Persepolis represent the highest artistic achievement of the Achaemenid Empire.

After invading Achaemenid Persia in 330 BC, Alexander the Great sent his army to Persepolis by the Royal Road. He stormed the "Persian Gates", a pass through the modern-day Zagros Mountains. Alexander's troops looted Persepolis.