Persepolis: New Discoveries Beneath the Persian Empire | FULL DOCUMENTARY

Persepolis is best known for its monumental royal terrace, built by the Achaemenid kings in the heart of ancient Persia. New archaeological discoveries, however, reveal that the site was far more than a ceremonial center used during seasonal celebrations. Following archaeologists including Pierfrancesco Callieri, Alireza Askari, Shahrokh Razmjou and Wouter Henkelman, the documentary explores evidence uncovered through excavations, clay tablets, geophysical surveys and environmental research. These findings point to a vast urban settlement surrounding the terrace, inhabited by workers, artisans, officials and priests. The investigation also examines the irrigation systems, gardens and agricultural landscapes that transformed the arid plain into what ancient sources described as a paradise. Pollen analysis reveals the presence of imported trees such as walnut, olive, cypress and pine. From Darius the Great to possible foundations laid before his reign, the film offers a new perspective on Persepolis and the scale of one of the ancient world's most remarkable cities. #documentary #freedocumentary #persepolis #ancientpersia #persianempire #dariusthegreat #archaeology #archaeologydocumentary #iran #ancienthistory #persianhistory #royalterrace #pasargadae #cyrus #achaemenid #ancientcity #ancientgardens #historydocumentary