1 00:00:03,333 --> 00:00:05,633 Narrator: the ancient city Of persepolis, 2 00:00:07,533 --> 00:00:10,533 Capital to the mighty Persian empire. 3 00:00:10,633 --> 00:00:15,833 This was once the greatest And richest city on earth. 4 00:00:15,933 --> 00:00:18,833 Narrator: A mysterious metropolis 5 00:00:18,933 --> 00:00:22,667 Built by the most powerful Kings of the ancient world. 6 00:00:22,767 --> 00:00:26,700 They were so powerful, They had no real rival. 7 00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:28,933 Narrator: How do the persians rule over 8 00:00:29,033 --> 00:00:32,100 A vast empire from This glorious capital? 9 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:35,333 It's a lesson on how To build an empire. 10 00:00:35,433 --> 00:00:38,433 Narrator: today, investigators Have unique access to this 11 00:00:38,533 --> 00:00:41,667 Ancient site in the mountains Of iran. 12 00:00:41,767 --> 00:00:44,900 They forensically Hunt for clues 13 00:00:45,000 --> 00:00:46,867 To find out what makes persia 14 00:00:46,967 --> 00:00:49,600 The first imperial powerhouse In the world. 15 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:54,833 It is a really exciting Discovery for us. 16 00:00:56,367 --> 00:01:00,067 Narrator: to unlock the secrets Of ancient persia, 17 00:01:00,133 --> 00:01:03,800 We resurrect the empire's Mighty capital, persepolis. 18 00:01:06,067 --> 00:01:08,900 We unearth the kings' Luxurious palaces 19 00:01:10,367 --> 00:01:12,200 And reveal Their groundbreaking 20 00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:13,833 Engineering inventions 21 00:01:15,733 --> 00:01:17,600 To discover how the persians 22 00:01:17,700 --> 00:01:19,933 Rise to dominate The ancient world. 23 00:01:20,067 --> 00:01:26,167 ** 24 00:01:30,067 --> 00:01:32,833 Persepolis, Iran, 25 00:01:34,900 --> 00:01:39,167 400 miles south of the modern Day capital, tehran. 26 00:01:39,267 --> 00:01:43,067 It is a huge stone city Cut into the mountains, 27 00:01:44,400 --> 00:01:46,300 Constructed At the same time as 28 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:49,500 The greatest buildings of Ancient greece. 29 00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:52,067 Today, this Vast archaeological 30 00:01:52,167 --> 00:01:55,500 Site remains wrapped In mystery. 31 00:01:58,100 --> 00:02:00,533 Now our cameras Have been granted unique 32 00:02:00,633 --> 00:02:03,967 Access to follow investigators On the front line 33 00:02:04,067 --> 00:02:08,267 As they venture inside This mighty ancient capital. 34 00:02:17,067 --> 00:02:18,967 Narrator: In the sixth century b.C., 35 00:02:19,067 --> 00:02:20,633 Persepolis is the heart of 36 00:02:20,733 --> 00:02:23,800 A mighty empire that controls Almost half of 37 00:02:23,900 --> 00:02:25,067 Earth's population. 38 00:02:26,433 --> 00:02:28,800 Its spectacular ruins Hold the key to 39 00:02:28,900 --> 00:02:31,333 The rise of The first world empire, 40 00:02:33,067 --> 00:02:34,200 Persia. 41 00:02:36,733 --> 00:02:38,467 To build persepolis, 42 00:02:38,567 --> 00:02:40,733 The persians carve a huge Terrace into 43 00:02:40,833 --> 00:02:43,433 A mountain and create A platform the size 44 00:02:43,533 --> 00:02:46,133 Of six modern city blocks. 45 00:02:46,233 --> 00:02:50,167 They surround it With tall masonry walls, 46 00:02:50,267 --> 00:02:53,767 And at the entrance, They build a 55-foot-tall gate 47 00:02:53,867 --> 00:02:56,933 To impress And welcome foreign rulers. 48 00:02:58,300 --> 00:03:01,767 Inside, they create A sprawling complex of splendid 49 00:03:01,867 --> 00:03:05,267 Palaces and vast, Magnificent halls. 50 00:03:07,167 --> 00:03:10,567 Persepolis is the jewel In persia's crown. 51 00:03:12,200 --> 00:03:15,733 What can it reveal about The scale of this mighty empire? 52 00:03:21,333 --> 00:03:24,767 Ali asadi has special access To investigate 53 00:03:24,867 --> 00:03:25,767 The ancient site. 54 00:03:27,433 --> 00:03:30,067 He believes the remains of These grand buildings 55 00:03:30,100 --> 00:03:33,133 Hold clues to the territories Under persian rule. 56 00:03:37,733 --> 00:03:41,333 Ali examines the architecture Of the ancient city 57 00:03:41,433 --> 00:03:43,633 And finds important evidence. 58 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:55,300 Narrator: hidden among The ruins of the site, 59 00:03:55,400 --> 00:03:59,700 Ali examines clues of even More distant nations -- 60 00:03:59,800 --> 00:04:01,567 Lotus flowers. 61 00:04:01,667 --> 00:04:03,800 These are ancient Greek symbols. 62 00:04:06,300 --> 00:04:08,067 Could greece 63 00:04:08,167 --> 00:04:11,067 And egypt, Two enormous powerhouses 64 00:04:11,167 --> 00:04:14,200 In the ancient world, Be under persian rule? 65 00:04:16,967 --> 00:04:19,500 Ali hunts for more clues. 66 00:04:19,600 --> 00:04:21,633 In the center of the city, 67 00:04:21,733 --> 00:04:25,467 He studies a huge stone relief On a palace staircase. 68 00:04:36,700 --> 00:04:39,267 Narrator: the frieze shows The individual nations 69 00:04:39,367 --> 00:04:41,633 That make up The persian empire. 70 00:04:41,733 --> 00:04:44,833 Carved on the wall, Ali finds conclusive proof. 71 00:05:03,667 --> 00:05:05,600 Narrator: Ali discovers that egypt, 72 00:05:05,700 --> 00:05:08,800 The cradle of ancient culture And independent for most of 73 00:05:08,900 --> 00:05:10,467 Its history, 74 00:05:10,567 --> 00:05:13,200 Is now part of This mighty new empire. 75 00:05:15,067 --> 00:05:17,633 Incredibly, it also Incorporates some 76 00:05:17,733 --> 00:05:19,100 Greek city states. 77 00:05:21,367 --> 00:05:23,933 But the persians Don't stop here. 78 00:05:24,067 --> 00:05:26,867 The long procession depicts Many other peoples. 79 00:05:28,267 --> 00:05:30,133 The incredible detail On the relief 80 00:05:30,233 --> 00:05:32,967 Helps ali identify Who everyone is. 81 00:05:42,067 --> 00:05:44,867 Narrator: this vast scene Reveals the expanse 82 00:05:44,967 --> 00:05:48,067 Of the persian empire. 83 00:05:48,133 --> 00:05:51,733 It spreads from eastern europe To the indus river, 84 00:05:51,833 --> 00:05:54,167 From the sahara desert To the western edge of 85 00:05:54,267 --> 00:05:55,367 The himalayas. 86 00:05:57,100 --> 00:06:01,467 In total, The wall displays 23 nations 87 00:06:01,567 --> 00:06:05,900 That cover an astonishing 2.1 million square miles. 88 00:06:10,367 --> 00:06:13,233 Who is the ruler Of this enormous empire 89 00:06:13,333 --> 00:06:14,967 At its peak? 90 00:06:15,067 --> 00:06:17,700 Ali follows The frieze to track 91 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:21,067 Down the person Who receives the gifts. 92 00:06:21,167 --> 00:06:24,600 He arrives at a depiction of A larger than life figure. 93 00:06:32,867 --> 00:06:35,767 Narrator: darius the great rules The mighty persian empire 94 00:06:35,867 --> 00:06:40,333 From 522 b.C., During its golden age. 95 00:06:40,433 --> 00:06:43,567 The image of the king Reveals where he receives 96 00:06:43,667 --> 00:06:45,433 His many guests, 97 00:06:45,533 --> 00:06:49,633 Inside a majestic royal palace Of gigantic proportions. 98 00:06:54,333 --> 00:06:57,200 The apadana palace is An ancient architectural 99 00:06:57,300 --> 00:07:01,100 Wonder and the most important Building in persepolis. 100 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:04,567 On the palace staircases, Inscriptions greet visitors 101 00:07:04,667 --> 00:07:06,300 In many languages, 102 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:10,167 Referring to the persian ruler As the king of kings. 103 00:07:10,267 --> 00:07:15,233 Behind 40-foot doors, Thin columns hold up 104 00:07:15,333 --> 00:07:17,067 A wooden ceiling 105 00:07:17,167 --> 00:07:19,067 To create a magnificent hall 106 00:07:19,100 --> 00:07:21,967 Covering more than 35,000 square feet. 107 00:07:23,367 --> 00:07:26,800 Here, the king welcomes guests And their generous gifts. 108 00:07:26,900 --> 00:07:29,167 What does this huge palace 109 00:07:29,267 --> 00:07:31,567 Reveal about the powerful Persian rule? 110 00:07:36,567 --> 00:07:38,667 Ali is convinced The inscription on 111 00:07:38,767 --> 00:07:41,500 The great staircase holds Important evidence. 112 00:07:58,733 --> 00:08:00,333 Narrator: The inscription reveals how 113 00:08:00,433 --> 00:08:03,400 Darius rules his world empire. 114 00:08:03,500 --> 00:08:06,167 Once he conquers a nation, He keeps the local kings 115 00:08:06,267 --> 00:08:07,400 In power. 116 00:08:07,500 --> 00:08:10,700 Darius the great is tolerant As long as he is obeyed. 117 00:08:12,067 --> 00:08:15,200 Does he ever have to fight off A rebellion against him? 118 00:08:19,167 --> 00:08:22,133 A few miles away, A team of archaeologists 119 00:08:22,233 --> 00:08:24,133 Uncovers An intriguing structure, 120 00:08:24,233 --> 00:08:25,867 Which could provide clues. 121 00:08:25,967 --> 00:08:28,767 They recover hundreds of Glazed bricks 122 00:08:28,867 --> 00:08:30,067 From the dig site. 123 00:08:30,133 --> 00:08:35,667 These amazing finds reveal What the building really is -- 124 00:08:35,767 --> 00:08:36,933 An ishtar gate, 125 00:08:38,367 --> 00:08:41,567 A replica of the dazzling gate In the famous city of babylon. 126 00:08:43,167 --> 00:08:44,367 The gate is a symbol of 127 00:08:44,467 --> 00:08:46,800 An astonishing victory For the persian king. 128 00:08:49,500 --> 00:08:51,833 The babylonian kingdom is One of the first 129 00:08:51,933 --> 00:08:54,633 To fall to the hands of The persians. 130 00:08:54,733 --> 00:08:55,867 Their mighty capital, 131 00:08:55,967 --> 00:08:59,433 Babylon, becomes an important Center of persian rule. 132 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:04,800 At the entrance to the great City stands the ishtar gate, 133 00:09:04,900 --> 00:09:07,300 An architectural wonder, Shimmering blue. 134 00:09:09,400 --> 00:09:11,067 But there are Fundamental differences 135 00:09:11,133 --> 00:09:12,467 Between the two gates. 136 00:09:16,667 --> 00:09:20,167 The ishtar gate in babylon is Gigantic and flanked by 137 00:09:20,267 --> 00:09:21,867 Defensive walls. 138 00:09:21,967 --> 00:09:24,200 Said to be over 300 feet high, 139 00:09:24,300 --> 00:09:25,833 They guard the ancient city. 140 00:09:27,367 --> 00:09:29,900 The replica ishtar gate In persepolis stands 141 00:09:30,067 --> 00:09:31,767 Alone in the middle of The landscape, 142 00:09:33,067 --> 00:09:35,367 Two miles away from The persian capital. 143 00:09:38,967 --> 00:09:41,067 This brand-new Discovery reveals 144 00:09:41,133 --> 00:09:43,833 That persepolis has No fortifications. 145 00:09:57,067 --> 00:09:58,600 Narrator: None of the many nations in 146 00:09:58,700 --> 00:10:01,333 The empire dared challenge of The persian rule. 147 00:10:02,633 --> 00:10:05,100 But new evidence exposes The cost of 148 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:08,033 This complete obedience. 149 00:10:08,133 --> 00:10:10,967 How do the persians build Their enormous empire? 150 00:10:12,767 --> 00:10:16,267 Can new discoveries reveal The secret of their success? 151 00:10:25,433 --> 00:10:27,300 Narrator: 2,500 years ago, 152 00:10:27,400 --> 00:10:32,167 The persian kings build Persepolis in modern day iran. 153 00:10:33,733 --> 00:10:35,167 It is the richest city in 154 00:10:35,267 --> 00:10:39,233 The world and capital to An enormous empire. 155 00:10:39,333 --> 00:10:41,633 How did the persians dominate Most of the known 156 00:10:41,733 --> 00:10:43,333 Ancient world? 157 00:10:43,433 --> 00:10:45,133 Inside persepolis, 158 00:10:45,233 --> 00:10:49,133 Archaeologists unearth A mysterious building, 159 00:10:49,233 --> 00:10:51,667 An extraordinary ancient Mega structure. 160 00:10:54,333 --> 00:10:56,067 In persia's golden age, 161 00:10:56,167 --> 00:10:59,067 This is the second largest Building in persepolis, 162 00:10:59,167 --> 00:11:00,900 Called the throne hall. 163 00:11:03,867 --> 00:11:07,633 Inside it, precisely 100 columns rise up to 164 00:11:07,733 --> 00:11:10,700 Create a space the size of An aircraft hangar. 165 00:11:12,567 --> 00:11:14,667 This second palace is The domain of 166 00:11:14,767 --> 00:11:17,467 The empire's foundation, Its army. 167 00:11:19,367 --> 00:11:23,600 There is room for 5,000 Soldiers, only a tiny fraction 168 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:24,767 Of the persian army, 169 00:11:24,867 --> 00:11:27,767 Which, according to legend, Numbers a million men. 170 00:11:30,233 --> 00:11:32,067 How do they conquer the world? 171 00:11:39,933 --> 00:11:42,567 Sophy downes hunts for clues In sardis 172 00:11:42,667 --> 00:11:44,533 In modern-day turkey. 173 00:11:47,067 --> 00:11:51,400 Despite being over 1,500 miles Away from persepolis, 174 00:11:51,500 --> 00:11:53,600 This ancient capital city Is one of 175 00:11:53,700 --> 00:11:56,367 The first to fall To the persians. 176 00:11:56,467 --> 00:12:00,367 It expanded their empire to 177 00:12:00,467 --> 00:12:02,800 The west towards its farthest Western reach. 178 00:12:07,267 --> 00:12:10,200 Narrator: sophy investigates How sardis is conquered. 179 00:12:11,767 --> 00:12:14,367 She examines A section of the site, 180 00:12:14,467 --> 00:12:16,700 A massive trench 20 feet deep. 181 00:12:18,900 --> 00:12:20,200 In the courtyard of This house, 182 00:12:20,300 --> 00:12:23,067 The body of an old man Was found. 183 00:12:23,167 --> 00:12:26,233 He was a civilian, so this Suggests that it wasn't just 184 00:12:26,333 --> 00:12:28,700 The soldiers that died in The sack, 185 00:12:28,800 --> 00:12:30,167 But many civilians, As well. 186 00:12:31,867 --> 00:12:34,767 Narrator: analysis of The mutilated bones reveals 187 00:12:34,867 --> 00:12:36,667 Lethal wounds All over the body. 188 00:12:39,233 --> 00:12:41,900 He is only one of Many victims of the attack. 189 00:12:46,067 --> 00:12:48,600 Alongside is more Shocking evidence -- 190 00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:52,933 136 arrowheads. 191 00:12:53,067 --> 00:12:56,233 Sophy examines images Of the discovery. 192 00:12:56,333 --> 00:12:59,733 The quantity of arrowheads Found here shows the intensity 193 00:12:59,833 --> 00:13:02,600 Of the fighting In this part of the city. 194 00:13:02,700 --> 00:13:05,300 Narrator: these many Archaeological traces reveal 195 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:07,600 The ferocity Of a persian conquest. 196 00:13:09,100 --> 00:13:11,167 But sophy thinks There's more to the story. 197 00:13:11,267 --> 00:13:12,733 She wants to find out what 198 00:13:12,833 --> 00:13:16,467 Happens to sardis after The persian victory. 199 00:13:16,567 --> 00:13:19,667 Downes: there are numerous Burn marks across the city, 200 00:13:19,767 --> 00:13:21,067 Which suggests that it was 201 00:13:21,167 --> 00:13:24,067 Pretty comprehensively burnt To the ground. 202 00:13:26,267 --> 00:13:28,133 Narrator: the city's Fortification wall, 203 00:13:28,233 --> 00:13:29,500 Made of mud brick, 204 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:32,500 Is reduced to a melted And vitrified mass. 205 00:13:33,833 --> 00:13:36,100 It is evidence of The intensity of the fire 206 00:13:36,200 --> 00:13:37,567 That devours sardis. 207 00:13:39,267 --> 00:13:40,867 The archaeological evidence Suggests that it may 208 00:13:40,967 --> 00:13:42,867 Have bean more brutal Than we thought. 209 00:13:44,633 --> 00:13:46,867 Narrator: Sardis becomes a persian city. 210 00:13:49,900 --> 00:13:51,700 The fall of This powerful capital 211 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:53,167 Shocks the ancient world. 212 00:13:55,333 --> 00:13:58,200 The persian army gains A fierce reputation 213 00:13:58,300 --> 00:14:01,633 And forces the many nations of The empire into submission. 214 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,633 How do the persians become Such remarkable warriors? 215 00:14:10,100 --> 00:14:12,300 Ali examines An intriguing carving on 216 00:14:12,400 --> 00:14:14,367 The northern entrance To the palace. 217 00:14:28,700 --> 00:14:30,067 Narrator: as he looks up close, 218 00:14:30,133 --> 00:14:33,967 Ali finds imagery of The army all around persepolis. 219 00:14:35,367 --> 00:14:38,233 Among them, persia's most Infamous brigade. 220 00:14:56,433 --> 00:14:58,667 Narrator: the images reveal That the persian army 221 00:14:58,767 --> 00:15:01,900 Is divided into Specialist forces. 222 00:15:02,067 --> 00:15:04,900 Ali believes this is crucial To their success. 223 00:15:06,433 --> 00:15:09,200 In battle, the soldiers Follow a strategy 224 00:15:09,300 --> 00:15:12,133 That weakens the enemy Until complete surrender. 225 00:15:16,300 --> 00:15:19,600 The persian archers Start off the attack. 226 00:15:19,700 --> 00:15:22,300 They hide behind A shield wall and shoot 227 00:15:22,400 --> 00:15:26,200 100,000 arrows per minute To decimate the enemy. 228 00:15:27,867 --> 00:15:30,400 Then comes the notorious Persian cavalry. 229 00:15:30,500 --> 00:15:33,600 They harass the enemy With hit-and-run attacks, 230 00:15:33,700 --> 00:15:36,167 Shooting arrows And throwing spears. 231 00:15:39,267 --> 00:15:43,933 And finally, persia's elite Infantry, the immortals. 232 00:15:44,067 --> 00:15:45,900 They are the most Feared fighters. 233 00:15:49,533 --> 00:15:50,900 In their tight formation, 234 00:15:51,067 --> 00:15:54,067 Fallen soldiers are Replaced immediately, 235 00:15:54,167 --> 00:15:56,767 Making it seem like They are impossible to kill. 236 00:15:59,833 --> 00:16:02,967 With this elite army, The persians create 237 00:16:03,067 --> 00:16:06,500 The biggest empire The world has ever seen. 238 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:10,067 But even with this mighty Military force, 239 00:16:10,167 --> 00:16:13,533 How quickly can the king Strike back 240 00:16:13,633 --> 00:16:17,400 If there is trouble far from His base in persepolis? 241 00:16:17,500 --> 00:16:20,267 What can new evidence Unearthed in the far corners 242 00:16:20,367 --> 00:16:23,733 Of the empire reveal about The king's new tactic? 243 00:16:32,700 --> 00:16:35,467 Narrator: carved into the Mountains of southern iran, 244 00:16:35,567 --> 00:16:39,867 Archaeologists rediscover The lost city of persepolis. 245 00:16:39,967 --> 00:16:41,733 Clues inside it unlock 246 00:16:41,833 --> 00:16:44,400 The mystery of the gigantic Persian empire. 247 00:16:45,767 --> 00:16:47,367 Downes: the inscriptions at Persepolis talk about how 248 00:16:47,467 --> 00:16:49,800 The empire extends from The shores of one sea 249 00:16:49,900 --> 00:16:50,867 To the shores of another sea, 250 00:16:50,967 --> 00:16:52,767 From one desert to Another desert. 251 00:16:52,867 --> 00:16:55,567 Narrator: how did the persians Rule such an enormous 252 00:16:55,667 --> 00:16:57,667 Expanse of land? 253 00:16:57,767 --> 00:17:02,133 The answer could lie with A huge engineering structure, 254 00:17:03,300 --> 00:17:07,067 Built by persia's most Powerful king, darius I. 255 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:12,467 Ancient writers say That king darius 256 00:17:12,567 --> 00:17:15,500 Builds a vast road across His empire. 257 00:17:16,767 --> 00:17:19,600 It is surfaced with Packed gravel 258 00:17:19,700 --> 00:17:22,500 And is over 20 feet wide In some places. 259 00:17:24,500 --> 00:17:26,300 It's called the royal road, 260 00:17:27,700 --> 00:17:29,700 The first highway In the world. 261 00:17:32,100 --> 00:17:35,567 Alongside it, Darius builds way stations, 262 00:17:35,667 --> 00:17:38,300 Stopping points in the long, Arduous journey. 263 00:17:40,167 --> 00:17:42,433 Comfortable living quarters Surround an open 264 00:17:42,533 --> 00:17:45,467 Courtyard where travelers From all cultures meet. 265 00:17:47,367 --> 00:17:51,900 Is darius's royal road really As impressive as legends say? 266 00:17:54,867 --> 00:17:57,467 Ali asadi is on A mission to find out. 267 00:18:00,300 --> 00:18:02,467 He travels north of persepolis 268 00:18:03,733 --> 00:18:07,233 Towards pasagardae, Another persian capital. 269 00:18:08,500 --> 00:18:12,300 Ancient texts describe a huge Road between these two cities. 270 00:18:15,800 --> 00:18:19,067 Here, he finds an opening Through the mountains. 271 00:18:30,400 --> 00:18:32,667 Narrator: this mountain stands Directly between 272 00:18:32,767 --> 00:18:34,800 The two ancient Persian capitals. 273 00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:40,100 Ali believes the only way To connect 274 00:18:40,200 --> 00:18:42,167 The cities is to cut Through it. 275 00:18:51,967 --> 00:18:55,267 Narrator: the ancient persians Carve a 30-foot valley through 276 00:18:55,367 --> 00:18:56,800 Solid rock. 277 00:18:56,900 --> 00:18:59,367 This rare find here Supports the legend. 278 00:18:59,467 --> 00:19:01,967 Nothing seems to stand in 279 00:19:02,067 --> 00:19:05,133 The way of darius's Ambitious building project. 280 00:19:06,533 --> 00:19:08,733 But can he really Extend the royal road 281 00:19:08,833 --> 00:19:11,233 To all corners of The huge empire? 282 00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:16,500 Burcin adisonmez investigates 283 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:18,933 In amasya In northern turkey. 284 00:19:21,500 --> 00:19:24,800 Here, he and his team make A remarkable discovery. 285 00:19:40,067 --> 00:19:42,567 Narrator: Local rulers used nearby 286 00:19:42,667 --> 00:19:44,300 Materials to build the road, 287 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:47,133 But burcin suspects it could 288 00:19:47,233 --> 00:19:49,400 Be part of the persian Road network. 289 00:19:51,367 --> 00:19:52,800 He examines the site 290 00:19:54,867 --> 00:19:57,200 And identifies A strange structure. 291 00:20:10,667 --> 00:20:13,433 Zoroastrianism is The ancient religion of 292 00:20:13,533 --> 00:20:14,400 The persians. 293 00:20:15,967 --> 00:20:18,833 For burcin, This is conclusive proof. 294 00:20:23,300 --> 00:20:25,667 Narrator: this incredible find Is evidence that 295 00:20:25,767 --> 00:20:27,967 Darius's road network 296 00:20:28,067 --> 00:20:31,333 Spreads all the way To northern turkey, 297 00:20:31,433 --> 00:20:34,567 1,200 miles away from The city of persepolis. 298 00:20:44,233 --> 00:20:46,533 Narrator: How fast can imperial couriers 299 00:20:46,633 --> 00:20:48,067 Travel on the royal road? 300 00:20:49,633 --> 00:20:52,600 Ancient greek accounts provide Tantalizing clues. 301 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:58,000 Downes: herodotus tells us that The persians had a system for 302 00:20:58,100 --> 00:21:00,867 Sending messages along The royal road, 303 00:21:00,967 --> 00:21:05,700 Which could travel about 2,000 miles in nine days. 304 00:21:07,167 --> 00:21:09,700 Narrator: a messenger on Horseback would normally take 305 00:21:09,800 --> 00:21:11,933 Two months for a journey of This length. 306 00:21:12,967 --> 00:21:14,933 Sophy wants to find out if The persians 307 00:21:15,067 --> 00:21:16,700 Can do it in nine days. 308 00:21:18,567 --> 00:21:20,067 She thinks the way stations 309 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:21,967 Darius builds could hold The answer. 310 00:21:24,167 --> 00:21:28,233 She marks out the places where Archaeologists find remains. 311 00:21:28,333 --> 00:21:31,400 Here we have Three way stations that 312 00:21:31,500 --> 00:21:33,567 Have actually been found In the archaeology, 313 00:21:33,667 --> 00:21:36,833 And they're in a line, And they're about 314 00:21:36,933 --> 00:21:39,267 15 miles apart from each other. 315 00:21:41,233 --> 00:21:43,933 Narrator: if the persians Position rested horses and men 316 00:21:44,067 --> 00:21:45,300 At each station, 317 00:21:45,400 --> 00:21:47,333 The couriers can work As a relay. 318 00:21:49,233 --> 00:21:51,967 Each courier can travel The distance between 319 00:21:52,067 --> 00:21:54,133 Two way stations at full speed 320 00:21:54,233 --> 00:21:57,633 And pass on the message To the next horseman. 321 00:21:57,733 --> 00:22:02,500 Over a day, the message would Cover an astonishing 180 miles. 322 00:22:04,167 --> 00:22:05,933 That means that you could Cover a distance 323 00:22:06,067 --> 00:22:09,600 Of 2,000 miles in about 12 to 14 days. 324 00:22:09,700 --> 00:22:12,300 So herodotus is maybe Slightly exaggerating, 325 00:22:12,400 --> 00:22:14,500 But he's actually Pretty accurate. 326 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,300 Narrator: Darius's massive 327 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:18,433 Communication network is The fastest 328 00:22:18,533 --> 00:22:20,067 In the ancient world. 329 00:22:20,133 --> 00:22:24,467 It's so efficient that It's still remembered today. 330 00:22:24,567 --> 00:22:27,933 Herodotus also says that Neither snow nor rain nor 331 00:22:28,067 --> 00:22:30,200 Heat nor gloom of night could Stop the couriers, 332 00:22:30,300 --> 00:22:32,133 And this is still The motto of 333 00:22:32,233 --> 00:22:34,833 The u.S. Postal service today. 334 00:22:34,933 --> 00:22:37,733 Narrator: if anything happens in The extreme corners of 335 00:22:37,833 --> 00:22:38,900 The persian empire, 336 00:22:39,067 --> 00:22:42,933 The king can find out about It in under two weeks. 337 00:22:44,133 --> 00:22:47,133 He can respond swiftly To any challenge 338 00:22:47,233 --> 00:22:51,133 To his rule and restore Control almost immediately. 339 00:22:53,533 --> 00:22:55,633 Downes: 12 to 14 days May sound pretty slow to us, 340 00:22:55,733 --> 00:22:58,267 But actually, it's not until The 18th century that anybody 341 00:22:58,367 --> 00:23:00,133 Can send messages faster Than that. 342 00:23:02,500 --> 00:23:04,567 Narrator: darius's road network Stretches from 343 00:23:04,667 --> 00:23:08,067 The indus valley all the way To the mediterranean, 344 00:23:08,167 --> 00:23:11,267 Spanning a staggering 1,500 miles. 345 00:23:13,467 --> 00:23:16,567 He uses it to quickly Send messengers as well 346 00:23:16,667 --> 00:23:19,900 As his army to every Corner of his empire. 347 00:23:24,767 --> 00:23:29,300 He also builds the first suez Canal, linking the red sea to 348 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:30,467 The nile, 349 00:23:30,567 --> 00:23:33,267 Giving him easy access To all of egypt. 350 00:23:35,700 --> 00:23:39,200 It is monumental, wide enough For two of his warships 351 00:23:39,300 --> 00:23:40,833 To pass each other, 352 00:23:40,933 --> 00:23:44,200 Giving the persians commercial And military control of 353 00:23:44,300 --> 00:23:45,367 The region. 354 00:23:47,433 --> 00:23:49,867 Darius's communication network Is crucial 355 00:23:49,967 --> 00:23:52,567 To controlling The vast empire. 356 00:23:52,667 --> 00:23:55,933 It ensures His presence everywhere, 357 00:23:56,067 --> 00:23:59,433 But the persians also use their Engineering skills at home. 358 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:03,733 How do cutting-edge Innovations allow 359 00:24:03,833 --> 00:24:06,500 The king to control Nature itself 360 00:24:06,600 --> 00:24:11,500 And create a green paradise in The middle of the desert? 361 00:24:20,067 --> 00:24:24,667 Narrator: Persepolis, in modern-day iran. 362 00:24:24,767 --> 00:24:26,300 In the sixth century b.C., 363 00:24:26,400 --> 00:24:29,533 This is An architectural masterpiece 364 00:24:29,633 --> 00:24:32,900 And capital to the mighty Persian empire, 365 00:24:33,067 --> 00:24:34,633 But it's built in a brutal, 366 00:24:34,733 --> 00:24:37,967 Arid landscape Halfway up a mountain. 367 00:24:38,067 --> 00:24:40,133 Why do the persians choose 368 00:24:40,233 --> 00:24:42,500 To build their glorious Capital here? 369 00:24:47,367 --> 00:24:50,100 2,500 years ago, Exotic plants 370 00:24:50,200 --> 00:24:52,833 Populate the city's Lavish gardens, 371 00:24:52,933 --> 00:24:57,300 Called pardis, the origin Of the word paradise. 372 00:24:58,767 --> 00:25:02,333 But these green spaces extend Beyond the city walls. 373 00:25:04,067 --> 00:25:07,133 Further down the mountain, The persians plant olive 374 00:25:07,233 --> 00:25:09,200 And walnut trees, Brought in 375 00:25:09,300 --> 00:25:11,333 From the distant corners Of the empire. 376 00:25:13,433 --> 00:25:16,600 Beyond, settlements and lush Farmlands stretch 377 00:25:16,700 --> 00:25:19,633 As far as the eye can see. 378 00:25:19,733 --> 00:25:24,167 Against all odds, the persians Appear to conquer nature. 379 00:25:24,267 --> 00:25:26,067 How do they do it? 380 00:25:38,500 --> 00:25:41,800 Narrator: unlike egypt, Which has the mighty nile, 381 00:25:41,900 --> 00:25:45,300 Persia has very few natural Sources of water. 382 00:25:46,500 --> 00:25:48,900 But it does have mountains. 383 00:25:49,067 --> 00:25:51,233 Persepolis is built at The feet of 384 00:25:51,333 --> 00:25:53,067 The zagros mountain range. 385 00:25:57,367 --> 00:26:00,467 Ali investigates the rocky Surface of the slope. 386 00:26:09,733 --> 00:26:12,233 Narrator: rain water seeps into The porous stone of 387 00:26:12,333 --> 00:26:13,933 The mountain and comes out 388 00:26:14,067 --> 00:26:17,133 In springs that Flow across the slope. 389 00:26:27,400 --> 00:26:30,233 Narrator: but to harness This valuable source of water, 390 00:26:30,333 --> 00:26:33,067 The persians must come up with An ingenious plan. 391 00:26:37,700 --> 00:26:39,867 Inside the city, 392 00:26:39,967 --> 00:26:44,400 Ali discovers An astonishing infrastructure... 393 00:26:46,200 --> 00:26:49,233 ...A winding network Of tunnels. 394 00:26:58,433 --> 00:27:00,267 Narrator: the tunnels Crisscross the terrace 395 00:27:00,367 --> 00:27:02,333 For over two miles. 396 00:27:02,433 --> 00:27:04,467 They are a remarkable feat Of ancient 397 00:27:04,567 --> 00:27:07,533 Engineering as high as 20 feet in places. 398 00:27:15,900 --> 00:27:18,333 Narrator: some are carved Straight into the stone 399 00:27:18,433 --> 00:27:20,133 Of the mountain slope, 400 00:27:20,233 --> 00:27:22,400 But ali discovers that Other sections 401 00:27:22,500 --> 00:27:25,300 Are entirely built up By ancient workers. 402 00:27:37,200 --> 00:27:38,967 Narrator: Water from the mountain springs 403 00:27:39,067 --> 00:27:41,833 Travels down Towards persepolis. 404 00:27:41,933 --> 00:27:43,833 The tunnels collect And store it to 405 00:27:43,933 --> 00:27:45,933 Be used by The city's inhabitants. 406 00:27:47,500 --> 00:27:50,300 But how do the persians Spread water across 407 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:54,100 The vast landscape to create Their green paradise? 408 00:27:57,700 --> 00:28:00,500 To find out, Ali heads to pasagardae, 409 00:28:00,600 --> 00:28:03,200 25 miles north Of persepolis. 410 00:28:03,300 --> 00:28:05,900 This is the first Persian capital 411 00:28:06,067 --> 00:28:08,133 Built a few Generations earlier. 412 00:28:19,933 --> 00:28:22,233 Narrator: at the ancient site, Ali examines 413 00:28:22,333 --> 00:28:24,700 An intriguing set of Limestone channels. 414 00:28:37,067 --> 00:28:40,600 The channels have Small basins every 50 feet 415 00:28:40,700 --> 00:28:44,100 And carry water to all corners Of the city. 416 00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:47,200 The same infrastructure Is used in persepolis, 417 00:28:47,300 --> 00:28:48,967 But on a much larger scale. 418 00:28:52,100 --> 00:28:57,067 New geophysical surveys unveil A series of canals designed 419 00:28:57,167 --> 00:28:59,100 To funnel water from The mountains 420 00:28:59,200 --> 00:29:00,833 To the persian capital. 421 00:29:00,933 --> 00:29:04,567 Some of them are over 12 miles long. 422 00:29:04,667 --> 00:29:06,167 Near the ruins of persepolis, 423 00:29:06,267 --> 00:29:09,233 Traces of lines crisscross The landscape. 424 00:29:09,333 --> 00:29:10,467 These are the remnants of 425 00:29:10,567 --> 00:29:13,567 A huge irrigation network Across the plains. 426 00:29:17,933 --> 00:29:22,333 The persian king darius builds A city that defies nature. 427 00:29:22,433 --> 00:29:24,067 It stands in the middle of A mountainous 428 00:29:24,133 --> 00:29:26,833 Desert but is as verdant As a savannah. 429 00:29:29,833 --> 00:29:32,067 This triumph over nature is 430 00:29:32,167 --> 00:29:35,067 A mark of power more potent Than ramparts. 431 00:29:53,067 --> 00:29:55,067 Narrator: but the ingenuity of The persian king 432 00:29:55,133 --> 00:29:56,600 Does not end here. 433 00:29:59,200 --> 00:30:01,533 King darius wants to Constantly remind 434 00:30:01,633 --> 00:30:04,000 The world of his Overarching power. 435 00:30:05,300 --> 00:30:07,233 What can hidden treasure In his vast 436 00:30:07,333 --> 00:30:10,433 Palace reveal about his mighty Propaganda machine? 437 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:20,167 Narrator: in southern iran 438 00:30:20,267 --> 00:30:22,767 Lie the remains of The city of persepolis. 439 00:30:24,167 --> 00:30:26,233 It is a marvel of Ancient engineering 440 00:30:26,333 --> 00:30:29,900 And symbolizes the incredible Power of king darius the great. 441 00:30:32,167 --> 00:30:33,733 Downes: the closer You get to the king, 442 00:30:33,833 --> 00:30:35,200 To his private palaces, 443 00:30:35,300 --> 00:30:38,200 The more aware you're made of How powerful the king is. 444 00:30:39,367 --> 00:30:41,133 Narrator: How does he spread his message 445 00:30:41,233 --> 00:30:44,367 Of supreme power Across the empire? 446 00:30:44,467 --> 00:30:47,333 Inside his magnificent palace, 447 00:30:47,433 --> 00:30:49,967 Archaeologists make An intriguing discovery. 448 00:30:52,533 --> 00:30:55,033 In one corner of The apadana palace, 449 00:30:55,133 --> 00:30:58,567 Investigators unearth A treasure hoard, 450 00:30:58,667 --> 00:31:00,467 Stone boxes 451 00:31:00,567 --> 00:31:04,433 Containing tablets made From solid silver and gold. 452 00:31:04,533 --> 00:31:07,200 They carry darius's name And tell 453 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:09,233 Of the scale of His great empire. 454 00:31:11,067 --> 00:31:13,800 Beneath them, More treasure, 455 00:31:13,900 --> 00:31:16,833 Gold coins stamped with A lion and a bull. 456 00:31:18,467 --> 00:31:21,367 The insignia of lydia, A rival kingdom. 457 00:31:23,867 --> 00:31:26,700 They are some of the first Coins ever created. 458 00:31:27,767 --> 00:31:29,667 How does darius use This enemy 459 00:31:29,767 --> 00:31:32,400 Invention to control His vast empire? 460 00:31:37,167 --> 00:31:40,367 Sophy downes believes Clues may lie 461 00:31:40,467 --> 00:31:44,467 In the ancient lydian city of Sardis in modern-day turkey, 462 00:31:46,467 --> 00:31:49,367 The lydians were famous for Their wealth, and they got 463 00:31:49,467 --> 00:31:50,967 Their wealth from the gold 464 00:31:51,067 --> 00:31:53,567 That washed down In the river just behind us. 465 00:31:56,067 --> 00:31:57,433 Narrator: On the edge of the city, 466 00:31:57,533 --> 00:32:00,600 Sophy finds traces Of ancient gold-working. 467 00:32:03,100 --> 00:32:06,067 What you can see Here is a burn level. 468 00:32:06,167 --> 00:32:08,833 So this seems to be a furnace, 469 00:32:08,933 --> 00:32:11,900 Which was used To refine the gold. 470 00:32:14,500 --> 00:32:16,167 Narrator: Here in sardis, 471 00:32:16,267 --> 00:32:17,633 The lydian people develop 472 00:32:17,733 --> 00:32:20,500 An invention that Revolutionizes the world. 473 00:32:22,300 --> 00:32:25,267 The lydians were the first To introduce coinage, 474 00:32:25,367 --> 00:32:26,900 And they would've made it From the metal 475 00:32:27,067 --> 00:32:28,200 That they would find Right here. 476 00:32:30,267 --> 00:32:32,700 Narrator: when the persians Conquer this rich land, 477 00:32:32,800 --> 00:32:36,567 They also capture An established minting machine 478 00:32:36,667 --> 00:32:39,500 And start minting coins of Their own. 479 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:41,467 The coins that The persians produced 480 00:32:41,567 --> 00:32:44,167 Are these little tiny Coins here. 481 00:32:44,267 --> 00:32:45,633 These are made Out of pure gold. 482 00:32:45,733 --> 00:32:47,300 They're called darics. 483 00:32:47,400 --> 00:32:49,067 These were minted for The first time under 484 00:32:49,100 --> 00:32:50,167 King darius. 485 00:32:50,267 --> 00:32:53,767 The image on them on the front Is of the king. 486 00:32:53,867 --> 00:32:55,167 The king is an archer, 487 00:32:55,267 --> 00:32:57,367 And he's running forwards Across the coin, 488 00:32:57,467 --> 00:33:00,633 So very energetically Attacking the world 489 00:33:00,733 --> 00:33:01,933 Through his coinage. 490 00:33:02,067 --> 00:33:03,667 Narrator: Darius chooses military 491 00:33:03,767 --> 00:33:06,100 Imagery for his royal Gold coin. 492 00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:09,900 Sophy believes this decision Is clever politics. 493 00:33:10,067 --> 00:33:12,900 Downes: these were used to pay The mercenaries in his army. 494 00:33:13,067 --> 00:33:14,567 Having an image Of darius on the coin 495 00:33:14,667 --> 00:33:18,300 Creates a direct connection Between the soldiers and darius. 496 00:33:18,400 --> 00:33:20,333 Soldiers know That this is who is 497 00:33:20,433 --> 00:33:22,300 Paying them and who is Giving them orders. 498 00:33:23,700 --> 00:33:27,067 Narrator: darius uses The coins as propaganda, 499 00:33:27,100 --> 00:33:29,633 Ensuring his army's loyalty. 500 00:33:29,733 --> 00:33:32,300 The military imagery also Keeps the empire 501 00:33:32,400 --> 00:33:35,067 Afraid and obedient, 502 00:33:35,167 --> 00:33:37,400 But his successors Go even further. 503 00:33:39,867 --> 00:33:43,967 Sophy investigates another Coin called a tirat. 504 00:33:44,067 --> 00:33:47,700 They're called tirat, because On the front of the coin, 505 00:33:47,800 --> 00:33:50,867 There's the head of a figure Wearing a tiara, 506 00:33:50,967 --> 00:33:54,667 Which is a band of cloth, Which the persian soldiers wore 507 00:33:54,767 --> 00:33:55,833 Around their heads in battle. 508 00:33:55,933 --> 00:33:57,467 So again, This is a military image. 509 00:33:57,567 --> 00:34:01,300 It's generally thought this is The head of the persian king. 510 00:34:01,400 --> 00:34:04,200 Narrator: this coin is used Beyond the borders 511 00:34:04,300 --> 00:34:06,900 Of the empire into greece, 512 00:34:07,067 --> 00:34:11,067 But greek coins usually depict Gods rather than kings. 513 00:34:12,900 --> 00:34:15,267 Downes: so on this coin, The head of the persian king 514 00:34:15,367 --> 00:34:16,800 Is occupying the same space 515 00:34:16,900 --> 00:34:19,933 That on some greek coins Is occupied by the head of 516 00:34:20,067 --> 00:34:22,900 A deity -- it's possible That there's some kind of 517 00:34:23,067 --> 00:34:25,167 Equivalence intended. 518 00:34:25,267 --> 00:34:28,567 Narrator: the king of kings Places himself in the position 519 00:34:28,667 --> 00:34:31,633 Of a god and pushes this image Into the hands 520 00:34:31,733 --> 00:34:33,933 Of his distant neighbors. 521 00:34:34,067 --> 00:34:35,600 Why does he want the greeks 522 00:34:35,700 --> 00:34:38,567 In particular to receive This message? 523 00:34:38,667 --> 00:34:40,900 The persians have A pretty fraught 524 00:34:41,067 --> 00:34:43,567 Relationship with The greek city-states. 525 00:34:44,567 --> 00:34:46,867 Narrator: the persians Constantly attempt to seize 526 00:34:46,967 --> 00:34:48,167 Control of greece, 527 00:34:48,267 --> 00:34:50,300 But they never manage to Conquer it. 528 00:34:53,633 --> 00:34:55,733 The conflict begins When the persians 529 00:34:55,833 --> 00:34:58,767 Attack the greek-inhabited Region of ionia 530 00:34:58,867 --> 00:35:00,333 In present-day turkey. 531 00:35:04,933 --> 00:35:08,767 The greek city-states rally And start a revolt that 532 00:35:08,867 --> 00:35:11,167 Culminates in the burning Of sardis, 533 00:35:11,267 --> 00:35:12,933 Persia's capital In the region. 534 00:35:15,600 --> 00:35:19,100 The persians retaliate By invading greece 535 00:35:19,200 --> 00:35:21,100 And, after a 20-year struggle, 536 00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:25,100 Finally take athens And burn it to the ground. 537 00:35:25,200 --> 00:35:28,900 But within days, the greeks Trounced the persian fleet in 538 00:35:29,067 --> 00:35:31,167 The nearby Straits of salamis, 539 00:35:31,267 --> 00:35:34,200 Marking a turning point in The decades-long war. 540 00:35:37,067 --> 00:35:40,533 The greek city-states are Persia's greatest enemy, 541 00:35:40,633 --> 00:35:43,700 So the persian kings Use coinage to 542 00:35:43,800 --> 00:35:46,367 Show them their extraordinary Reach and power. 543 00:35:48,567 --> 00:35:50,733 Does this enduring rivalry Lead to 544 00:35:50,833 --> 00:35:53,367 Disastrous consequences For persepolis? 545 00:35:55,667 --> 00:35:57,667 Is a revenge attack enough to 546 00:35:57,767 --> 00:36:00,567 Bring down the world's Greatest empire? 547 00:36:10,100 --> 00:36:12,300 From the mighty capital Of persepolis, 548 00:36:13,900 --> 00:36:15,867 The persian kings rule Over most of 549 00:36:15,967 --> 00:36:17,333 The known ancient world. 550 00:36:19,100 --> 00:36:22,867 Their power over The empire is absolute, 551 00:36:22,967 --> 00:36:26,700 So they don't even fortify This magnificent city. 552 00:36:26,800 --> 00:36:29,167 But that leaves it exposed. 553 00:36:29,267 --> 00:36:31,067 What happens to persepolis? 554 00:36:35,600 --> 00:36:38,567 Ali investigates the remains Of the great city. 555 00:36:59,867 --> 00:37:04,133 Narrator: ali finds the same Discolorations across the city. 556 00:37:04,233 --> 00:37:05,800 This is shocking evidence that 557 00:37:05,900 --> 00:37:08,667 Persepolis suffers A devastating fire. 558 00:37:19,300 --> 00:37:21,333 Narrator: persepolis, The once mighty 559 00:37:21,433 --> 00:37:23,800 And untouchable city, Is attacked. 560 00:37:25,700 --> 00:37:29,333 The persians fail In defending their capital, 561 00:37:29,433 --> 00:37:32,100 And the city is burned To the ground. 562 00:37:32,200 --> 00:37:34,400 Who leads This audacious assault? 563 00:37:41,667 --> 00:37:45,600 Sophy downes believes a clue Lies on behistun mountain, 564 00:37:45,700 --> 00:37:48,600 450 miles from persepolis. 565 00:37:50,067 --> 00:37:53,833 Here, 330 feet Off the ground, 566 00:37:53,933 --> 00:37:58,533 Darius the great carves a huge Inscription in three languages. 567 00:37:58,633 --> 00:38:02,367 Over 1,000 lines of text Describe how he conquers 568 00:38:02,467 --> 00:38:03,633 The world. 569 00:38:03,733 --> 00:38:07,900 It commemorates His seizure of power. 570 00:38:08,067 --> 00:38:10,500 It tells us about how He came to be king. 571 00:38:10,600 --> 00:38:13,233 Narrator: next to darius's Testament of power, 572 00:38:13,333 --> 00:38:15,533 There is a surprising Piece of evidence. 573 00:38:15,633 --> 00:38:20,100 We have a relief of heracles -- He's reclining. 574 00:38:20,200 --> 00:38:22,133 We can tell it's heracles, 575 00:38:22,233 --> 00:38:24,400 Because there's An inscription behind it. 576 00:38:24,500 --> 00:38:26,633 Narrator: Heracles is a son of zeus, 577 00:38:26,733 --> 00:38:29,400 The greatest of the greek gods. 578 00:38:29,500 --> 00:38:31,667 This statue, Placed on the same level 579 00:38:31,767 --> 00:38:33,767 As darius's inscription, 580 00:38:33,867 --> 00:38:36,967 Reveals the identity of The formidable conqueror that 581 00:38:37,067 --> 00:38:38,667 Triumphs over the persians. 582 00:38:40,200 --> 00:38:42,833 This is from the kingdom That existed 583 00:38:42,933 --> 00:38:45,300 After alexander had passed Through the region. 584 00:38:47,667 --> 00:38:49,433 Narrator: It is alexander the great, 585 00:38:49,533 --> 00:38:51,767 The mighty greek king, 586 00:38:51,867 --> 00:38:54,333 Who topples the magnificent Persian capital. 587 00:38:57,367 --> 00:39:00,233 How does he manage To reach it? 588 00:39:00,333 --> 00:39:03,667 His own kingdom is almost 2,000 miles away. 589 00:39:05,067 --> 00:39:07,833 Downes: alexander makes His way to persepolis 590 00:39:07,933 --> 00:39:13,133 Using partly the royal roads That darius had set up. 591 00:39:13,233 --> 00:39:15,300 Narrator: In the fourth century b.C., 592 00:39:15,400 --> 00:39:18,433 Alexander marches across The ancient world. 593 00:39:20,700 --> 00:39:25,567 He takes anatolia, egypt, And mesopotamia and soon sets 594 00:39:25,667 --> 00:39:28,200 His eyes on the heart of The persian empire, 595 00:39:28,300 --> 00:39:29,767 Persepolis. 596 00:39:32,400 --> 00:39:34,833 He uses darius's royal road to 597 00:39:34,933 --> 00:39:38,067 March his vast army across The desert 598 00:39:38,167 --> 00:39:39,667 And attacks the great city. 599 00:39:43,067 --> 00:39:47,067 Persepolis falls in only A few days -- alexander burns it 600 00:39:47,100 --> 00:39:50,833 To the ground as payback for The persians' burning of athens. 601 00:39:54,167 --> 00:39:56,467 Sophy believes The destruction of the once 602 00:39:56,567 --> 00:39:59,767 Mighty city is more Than just revenge. 603 00:39:59,867 --> 00:40:01,667 It makes obvious Strategic sense 604 00:40:01,767 --> 00:40:02,867 To burn persepolis. 605 00:40:02,967 --> 00:40:05,667 It's the heart of The persian world. 606 00:40:05,767 --> 00:40:10,067 It's an obvious rallying point For any rebellion and dissent. 607 00:40:10,167 --> 00:40:12,067 Narrator: The persian empire that rules 608 00:40:12,167 --> 00:40:13,833 Over most of The known world for 609 00:40:13,933 --> 00:40:18,267 Over 200 years is incorporated Into alexander the great's 610 00:40:18,367 --> 00:40:20,267 New imperial powerhouse. 611 00:40:22,233 --> 00:40:24,300 But alexander follows in The steps of 612 00:40:24,400 --> 00:40:28,133 The astounding achievements Of the ancient persians. 613 00:40:28,233 --> 00:40:31,067 Alexander is only able To achieve his very 614 00:40:31,167 --> 00:40:34,633 Brief empire because he's Taken over the persian empire. 615 00:40:34,733 --> 00:40:37,000 This whole idea of Creating empires on such 616 00:40:37,100 --> 00:40:40,433 A large scale does get back Really to the persians. 617 00:40:40,533 --> 00:40:42,433 Narrator: the persians create The blueprint 618 00:40:42,533 --> 00:40:45,233 For empires for centuries To come, 619 00:40:45,333 --> 00:40:48,800 Laying down the groundwork for The greeks and romans. 620 00:40:48,900 --> 00:40:52,833 The story of their rise And fall is unearthed here 621 00:40:52,933 --> 00:40:56,767 In this glorious capital in The mountains, persepolis. 622 00:41:02,433 --> 00:41:06,333 The persians conquer most Of the known ancient world 623 00:41:06,433 --> 00:41:08,600 And rule it from persepolis, 624 00:41:08,700 --> 00:41:11,167 A majestic city Richer than any other. 625 00:41:12,567 --> 00:41:15,400 The persian leader Becomes king of kings. 626 00:41:16,767 --> 00:41:22,133 He rules over 23 nations Across two million square miles 627 00:41:22,233 --> 00:41:24,967 And creates a lush paradise In the desert, 628 00:41:26,433 --> 00:41:30,567 Leaving behind a legacy of how To rule the ancient world. 629 00:41:30,667 --> 00:41:36,767 ** 630 00:41:36,867 --> 00:41:45,267 ** 631 00:41:45,367 --> 00:41:55,267 ** 632 00:41:55,367 --> 00:42:02,433 **