Experts have started a major restoration project at the ancient site of Persepolis to save the largest surviving rock inscription by King Darius the Great. The writing is carved deep into stone and sits on the southern edge of this world-famous heritage site.
This work comes after many years of damage. Weather and past mistakes in care have weakened the stone. Now, a team of skilled workers is fixing the damage to protect this rare piece of history.
Rare glimpse into the ancient Persian world
The inscription is called the First Command of Darius the Great. It stretches more than seven meters long and stands two and a half meters high. Carved into solid rock, it gives a rare and valuable look into life in ancient Persia more than 2,500 years ago.
The words are written in three old languages. These include Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. Together, they show how large and powerful the Persian Empire once was. Historians and language experts say this stone is one of the most important writings left from that time.
Persepolis founded by Darius I in 518 BC. Persepolis was capital of Achaemenid Empire. It was built on an immense half-artificial, half-natural terrace, where king of kings created an impressive palace complex inspired by Mesopotamian models.
Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran pic.twitter.com/tGSq8QLSo2
— Dr. M.F. Khan (@Dr_TheHistories) August 26, 2022
One well-known part of the inscription reads, “May the land of Iran be protected from enemies, drought, and lies.” Another line shows the king’s pride in his work, saying he built a great fortress where none had stood before, with help from a higher power.
The structure, Persepolis, was started in 518 B.C. by order of King Darius I. Built on a high stone platform near Mount Rahmat, it became the capital of the vast Achaemenid Empire. UNESCO now protects the site, calling it one of the most impressive remains of the ancient world.
Earlier damage on King Darius’ inscription caused deep concern
In recent years, the inscription suffered serious harm. Cultural heritage expert Siavash Arya said he felt “heartbroken” when he saw the worn condition of the writing. He compared old photographs to its current state and said parts of the stone had already broken off.
Arya pointed to a decision made in 2020 as a major cause. At the time, site managers removed a protective cover and dug behind the slab, hoping to lower moisture levels. But instead, this action made things worse. Rain and wind hit the stone directly, causing even more erosion.
He warned that future generations will judge these actions harshly. “This damage,” he said, “will be remembered in history.”
#ReliefWednesday
500 B.C. trilingual inscription at the site of Bisitun Pass in #Iran. Written in #Persian, Akkadian, and an Iranian language known as Elamite, it recorded the feats of the Achaemenid #king #Darius the Great (r. 521–486 B.C.)#History #ancient #art #writing pic.twitter.com/SGWNMoNgOD— Jon Hawke 🏛️🏺 (@HawkeJon) August 7, 2024
Now, a new plan is in place. Conservation teams are sealing cracks, adding supports, and building a new cover. This structure is designed to keep out water and wind. The team hopes to protect the stone while also allowing people to view it safely.
A priceless piece of history set to reopen
Currently, the ancient inscription is not open to public visitors. But officials say that will soon change. After the restoration is finished, the site will include a secure path for people to see the writing up close.
The team says this piece of history is important not only for Iran but for the entire world. Because the text includes three ancient scripts, experts believe it helps them better understand how people lived and led in the past.
The restoration of King Darius‘ inscription aims to protect this valuable writing for future generations to study, admire, and learn from.