Photo. Darius the Great's tomb at Naqsh-e Rustam in Iran. © Travel Explorations.
Darius the Great, one of the most notable rulers of the ancient Persian Empire, is believed to be buried at Naqsh-e Rustam, an archaeological site located about 12 kilometers northwest of Persepolis in Iran. Naqsh-e Rustam is known for its collection of rock-cut tombs and reliefs dating back to the Achaemenid period. The site is a testament to the cultural and artistic achievements of ancient Persia.
Darius the Great, who ruled from 522 BCE to 486 BCE, ordered the construction of his tomb during his reign. He did commission and contribute to the construction of impressive architectural and monumental structures during his reign, particularly at Persepolis. Persepolis itself, although not one of the Seven Wonders, was a magnificent city with grand palaces, halls, and impressive stone reliefs.
Darius the Great is as mentioned carved into a cliff face at the site, and its location is approximately 10 meters above the ground. The structure is similar to the tombs of other Achaemenid kings at the same site.
The tomb is rectangular chamber with a sloping roof. The facade of the tomb is adorned with a relief depicting Darius standing on a platform, with attendants and representatives of the various nations of the Persian Empire paying homage to him.
While the tomb is widely attributed to Darius the Great, it's important to note that the exact identification of the occupants of these tombs is not always certain, as historical records are limited, and the tombs were looted in ancient times.
In addition to Darius the Great, other Achaemenid kings, including Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II, are also believed to have been buried at Naqsh-e Rustam, each in their own respective tombs carved into the rock face. The site is not only significant for its historical and archaeological importance but also for the stunning reliefs that depict various scenes, including battles, royal ceremonies, and the investiture of kings.
Naqsh-e Rustam is an impressive necropolis that stands as a reminder of the once famous and powerful Achaemenid Persian Empire, which thrived between 500 BC and 330 BC when it was defeated by Alexander the Great.
Stein Morten Lund, 18th August 2004
Additional information
The tomb of Darius the Great (or Darius I) is one of the four tombs for Achaemenid kings at the historical site of Naqsh-e Rostam, located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northwest of Persepolis in Iran. They are all situated at a considerable height above ground-level (for mer detailed information check Wikipedia).
Reads more about Darius the Great on Wikipedia.
You can also see the impressive ruins of palaces and tombs, including those attributed to Darius the Great at Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Persepolis, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization" or the "heart of the Persian Empire," has a strong historical and cultural significance. Anyway be aware of that the term "cradle of civilization" is more commonly associated with Mesopotamia, the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where some of the earliest known civilizations emerged, such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.
Persepolis, located in modern-day Iran, was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, according to Wikipedia - About Persepolis. It was was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. Darius the Great later expanded and completed Persepolis, making it one of the grandest cities of its time. It served as the center of Persian power and administration during the Achaemenid era.
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