Ceremonial Landscapes of Pasargadae

Pasargadae, under Cyrus the Great's rule, established a unique Persian aesthetic by integrating cultural and natural landscapes to create ceremonial settings for large gatherings. The site's monumental structures—Gate R, Audience Palace (S), Residential Palace (P), and Zendan tower—likely served ritualistic purposes, with Gate R possibly functioning as a royal stage and the palaces hosting banquets while symbolizing the king's presence. Cyrus' burial at Pasargadae transformed the city into a focal point for funerary rites, emphasizing its role in daily homage to the departed monarch. The study reconstructs these ceremonial functions through spatial analysis and historical context.

Álvarez-Mon, J. (2026). Ceremonial Landscapes of Pasargadae. The Birth of Persian Art (c. 550–486 BC), 341–358. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003641858-39