Persepolis, also known as Takht-e Jamshid, is an ancient ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire located in southern Iran, around 60 km northeast of the city of Shiraz. It was constructed by King Darius the Great in the 6th century BC and was later expanded by his successors Xerxes and Artaxerxes.

The city was built on a terrace platform, and its magnificent buildings, including palaces, audience halls, and other ceremonial structures, were constructed using the finest materials available at the time, such as marble, gold, and silver. The most famous buildings in Persepolis include the Apadana Palace, the Throne Hall, the Gate of All Nations, and the Treasury.

Persepolis was used primarily as a center for ceremonial events and royal audiences, and it also served as a political center for the empire. It was heavily influenced by Persian, Babylonian, and Assyrian art, and the intricate carvings and reliefs found on its walls are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Persian art.

Despite its grandeur, Persepolis was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, and much of its wealth was looted or destroyed. The site was later abandoned and remained forgotten until the 17th century when it was rediscovered by European travelers. Today, Persepolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iran's most popular tourist destinations.