Pasargadae

Pasargadae, founded c. 550 BC by Cyrus the Great, was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire in present-day Fars Province, Iran. The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 1.6 sq km and includes the Tomb of Cyrus, a monument approximately 13.75 by 12.25 metres standing about 11 metres tall with a six-step stone platform topped by a gabled burial chamber. The tomb originally held a gold sarcophagus, Cyrus's arms, jewelry, and ceremonial cloak. The site also includes the fortress of Toll-e Takht and remains of two royal palaces and gardens.