Persepolis and Jerusalem in History and Now
In this time, I want to think about history so that maybe by recalling a time of peace, peaceful feeling can regrow. I know that our friends, family and descendants will think of us as peacemakers if we take this chance to remember the good moments in the history of two great peoples.
There are many people in the world at odds right now. Can art heal those rifts? Persia and Israel have long shared a love for art. Jewish and Persian artists shaped stone, building temples that will always astound the eye with majesty and brilliance. This love of precision stone craft and attention to the delicate nature of building took shape at different times. In Persia, the Darius Empire created Persepolis, while at the same time, in Israel, temples and monuments were erected and new care was given to the artisan crafts.
It was Darius’s predecessor, Cyrus, who conceived the principles that would find their expression in the great palace and temple of Persepolis. Cyrus the Great was a Persian ruler that was loved by the Israelites because of his faithfulness to his promise that he would liberate them from Babylonian slavery if he won his war. This leader built relationships and ended a time of exile and disconnection. He began a time called the Persian Period in Jewish history.
Jerusalem’s Second Temple was rebuilt during this period. It was the chief place of worship for the Jewish people. Sacrifices were made at the temple by the people to atone for sin per the law. It was also a place of community, a place where people would gather to enjoy each other’s company. It was made of Jerusalem limestone with large Greek columns. It was on Mount Moriah which was the site of the temple originally built by King Solomon. The temple was large and beautiful using the principles of harmony and proportion. The same king, Darius of Persia helped build this temple while he finished construction on Persepolis.
My favorite part of Persepolis is its Gate of All Nations. It’s a gigantic gate that stands taller than seven men standing on top of each other’s shoulders. On each side of the gate there are two bulls frozen in an attitude of warning. These bulls are symbols of the power of the king and no doubt meant to awe visitors. This gate still stands and is an UNESCO site.
As this shows, artisans, architects and artists built the nations of Israel and Persia up rather than destroy them. In war, the only winners are the arms-dealers and those thirsty for the temporary glory of elusive control over people. The people left behind treasure their sons and daughters in life rather than in battle. We honor those who fight but don’t seek out war when peace is achievable.
So many years ago, Darius blended the art of the people in the Persian empire in order to show how each group was important and integral to the greater whole. Israeli leaders of that time sought to create works of art that called to mind the serenity and glory of deity. In so doing, they prevented a “cult of personality” to form in their nation. Leaders are remembered for how they stabilize their nations and bring prosperity, not by their battles. Can art remind each of us how beauty is fragile as the heart is fragile?
Rule Creations 