Palace Guard, from Persepolis

This fragment of relief sculpture decorated the Apadana, a massive reception hall in the palace complex at Persepolis, the capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. This sculpture depicts an imperial palace guard and, along with many others like it, lined the walls of two large stairways, “escorting” guests up to the hall. Other relief sculptures adorning the Apadana included the many cultures of the Empire in distinctive dress bringing offerings for the Naw Ruz (New Year) festival, combining geographic reach with military force to show the emperor’s power.