Persepolis in Iran - Teaser

What if the most extraordinary project you’ve ever seen… was built 2,500 years ago? In this episode of Historical Projects, we travel to ancient Persia to explore Persepolis — a city carved in stone, engineered across generations, and designed to send a message of unity to the world. And guiding us is someone who’s lived this history: structural engineer and researcher Younes Rahnama, who grew up in Iran and saw Persepolis long before he studied engineering. You’ll hear how a spontaneous post‑graduation trip — a two‑hour flight to Shiraz — led Younes to one of the most breathtaking moments of his life. In his own words: “The very first time I saw those columns and the mythical creatures carved into the stone… it was something else.” But Persepolis isn’t just beautiful — it’s a masterclass in leadership and project design. A 150‑year mega‑project begun by Darius the Great… expanded by Xerxes… refined by Artaxerxes.A place where 28 nations contributed their own engineering and artistic traditions.A city whose reliefs show not slaves or prisoners, but delegations walking side‑by‑side. We dive into the engineering brilliance — from earthquake‑resistant stonework to a subterranean water system carved into bedrock. We explore clay tablets that reveal a transparent, data‑driven workforce system — documenting wages, rations, even support for mothers and midwives. And we explore Younes’ personal connection — how Persepolis anchors him as a PhD student researching structural systems far from home. In his own words: “When I look at those ruins, I don’t see a dead empire; I see the birthplace of values we still strive for today.” And yes — we even talk about tea, sunglasses, and the moment he literally lost himself in the ruins. If you love history, leadership, engineering, or stories that remind us what humans can build when they think beyond their own lifetime… You won’t want to miss the full episode. Persepolis: Building an Empire in Stone.