ποΈ Pasargadae
First capital of the Achaemenid Empire, 6th century BC
π Fast Facts
- Founded: 6th century BC by Cyrus II the Great
- Empire: First dynastic capital of the Achaemenid Empire
- UNESCO inscription: 2004
- Location: Southwestern Iran, approximately 42 km northeast of Shiraz
Pasargadae is a ruined city in southwestern Iran that served as the inaugural capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus II the Great. Founded in the 6th century BC, the site encompasses the remains of palaces, administrative structures, gardens, and the monumental tomb of Cyrusβmonuments that reveal the ambitions and architectural achievements of ancient Persia. Pasargadae was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. As of 2026, the site remains open to visitors and continues to ...