Persepolis Architects Were Geologists Too

Tehran Times ^ | 12-24-2005

[blam]

Persepolis architects were geologists, too

Tehran Times Culture Desk

TEHRAN – Recent geological studies at the Persepolis historical site indicate that Achaemenid era architects used their unique knowledge of geology and mines in the construction of Persepolis, the Persian service of CHN reported on Thursday.

The experts were well aware of the science of geology and were keen to discover underground sources of water, geologist Azam Zare said.

The studies show that the Achaemenid experts had acquired specialized knowledge and technology, but it is unclear how they mastered these skills, she added.

“The studies of the geological team at Persepolis led to the discovery of stone mines at mounts Rahmat and Majdabad and the Sivand Mine.

“Majdabad is far from Persepolis, but the Achaemenid experts used to travel all that distance to acquire the stones they needed. Several experiments carried out on the stones of the three regions by archaeologists show that the stones at Majdabad and Rahmat were of a better quality and were stronger compared with those of Sivand,” she said.

Persepolis is located near Marvdasht in a region with large underground water reservoirs, and that is why the Achaemenids faced no problems in building palaces and gardens, she explained.

Studies on the wells around Persepolis are continuing, and geologists seek to determine the connections between the wells in the region, she said, adding that some of the wells are still in use but others have run dry over the years.

Unfortunately, the construction techniques used by the Achaemenids were forgotten after Alexander’s invasion of the region, she said in conclusion.

[blam]

GGG Pings

[DariusBane]

PING

[Khashayar]

Note that the Persian kings didn't use slaves to build those magnificent palaces!

They employed paid laborers to do the job and they had Art Colleges to teach the workers and artists how to continue the job!

Persepolis and Naqshe Rostam were built over 130 years but they do not have a slight difference when you look at them closely!

[Marine_Uncle]

And it is sad the moderm mostly educated Persians have to live under the yoke of Islam.

[blam]

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Blam.

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[Larry Lucido]

Persepolis Architects Were Geologists Too

Well, sometimes you need that extra paycheck to make ends meet.

[PlanoMike]

Been There, Done That, 1978! Quite Impressive!!

[fizziwig]

"Persepolis Architects Were Geologists Too"

Art Vandalay had many talents.

[Larry Lucido]

ROFL. Good catch, sir!

"Of course. Persepolis (mumbled). Um, what country was he from again?"

[Khashayar]

cool!

[CarrotAndStick]

Blam, meet Bam:

[blam]

"Blam, meet Bam:"

Thanks but, Bam all fell down.

[lesser_satan]

Before or after he was an importer-exporter?

[Dustbunny]

Bump

[wastoute]

Why am I reminded of...
"I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said:—Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shatter'd visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamp'd on these lifeless things,
The hand that mock'd them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"
Nothing beside remains: round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away."

apologies to Shelley...

[To Hell With Poverty]

I vaguely remember that....a recent earthquake?