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Posted by Saqqara on February 24 2005, 08:25 PM
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Persian architecture is one of the more recognizable forms of architecture within the ancient Mediterranean. Although is is not as famous as the Greco-Roman architecture to the west, Persian architecture is similar in that it borrowed styles which were developed by the Egyptians and even the Greeks.
Perhaps the most recognizable form of Persian architecture was developed during the Achaemenid period. This style was highly influenced by the Egyptians and the Greeks, as well as other provinces within the huge empire. This style used relief sculpture in adjunct to massive monuments and complexes. Palaces of the more notable Persian kings, including Cyrus the Great, and Xerxes I display the Achaemenid style. These great halls are lined with huge columns, where large numbers of audiences could be tended to. These columns are similar to Greek columns, but their style is distinct. Persian columns are more slender, and closely fluted than those of the Greeks. Instead of the three styles of capitals used by the Greeks, the Persians developed their own style of using animals to adorn their capitals. The most widely used animal was that of a winged bull.
Aside from the columns that adorn the palaces, the Persians often built magnificent staircases leading up to these palaces. These staircases were often adorned with relief images of great proportions. A great example of this is the hall of Xerxes I, in which a procession of tribute bearers adorn the double staircase as it rises to meet the columns. These stone reliefs are typically molded and then glazed with a sort of enamel, possibly to perserve, as well as bring out the vivid colors used in the reliefs.
After Alexander the Great swept through the Persian Empire, not only did he replace kings, but he also brought with him the hellenistic style of architecture known throughout Greece. However, Alexander's reign did not last long, and neither did the architecture which followed him. While there are still Greek remenants of architecture throughout once Persian territory, the Sassanids contributed far more.
The Sassanids greatest architectural achievement was the practice of carving victories on massive rock reliefs outside. These reliefs often employed the use of colorful stone mosaics to bring the work to life. Remnants of this style of architecture can still be found today scattered throughout Iran. Sassanid architecture on a whole was not that much different than the Archamenid style. The Sassanids seem to have developed their style from these earlier works, adopting them to use as their own, with minor changes such as the use of mosaics on a larger scale.
Persian architecture on an individual level is influenced by many sources over the years, but when looked at on the huge scale that it encompasses, Persian architects were able to take something from a culture that was not their own, and adapt it to make it theirs. When looked at this way, the art and architecture of the Persians is just that, architecture of the Persians. |
User Comments:
| TrashA
:: March 4 2005 |
Persian architecture changed more then you talked about when Alexander came into persia. From what I have read, the hellenistic style evolved into the later sassanid styal.
Also, if you look at the roman cities that were built over the old persian ones, they look much more greek then roman or persian. |
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| Ornlu
:: March 5 2005 |
| Also interesting is that Medieval Islamic architecture was based on the Persian one, with Byzantine influence. |
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