Pasargadae is an ancient Persian capital located in the Fars Province of Iran, approximately 90 kilometers northeast of the city of Shiraz. It was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC and served as his capital until his death. The city was expanded and embellished by subsequent Achaemenid kings, including Darius the Great.

Pasargadae is famous for its impressive architecture and engineering, including the Tomb of Cyrus the Great, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb is a rectangular stone structure on a high platform, with six broad steps leading up to the tomb chamber. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Persian architecture and is the oldest known example of the type of building that later became the standard for imperial tombs.

Other notable structures in Pasargadae include the Audience Hall, which is an enormous rectangular hall with a large central column, and the Palace of Cyrus, which is a complex of several buildings, including the royal residence, reception halls, and administrative offices. The palace is situated on a high terrace overlooking the city.

Pasargadae was also home to the Pasargadae Gardens, which were one of the earliest known examples of a formal Persian garden. The gardens were divided into four quadrants by water channels, and contained fountains, pools, and an irrigation system that was powered by underground channels.

In addition to its architectural and engineering achievements, Pasargadae played an important role in Persian history as the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Pasargadae in 550 BC, which established Cyrus the Great as the ruler of Persia, and the Battle of Issus in 333 BC, where Alexander the Great defeated the Persian army led by Darius III.