Profile of a Lydian Tribute Bearer

PROFILE OF A LYDIAN TRIBUTE BEARER
Apadana (Audience Hall), Eastern Staircase
Field Negative 33.430
Negative N. 15464
Herzfeld Expedition 1933

Twenty-three foreign delegations are depicted on the left side of the eastern staircase of the Apadana. Each group is distinguished by the garments, hairstyles, headdresses, beards, and form of tribute carried by the figures. The Lydian delegation, from southwest Anatolia, is shown with beehive-shaped hats and long cloaks. They carry bracelets and a chariot as tribute for the king. The reliefs of foreign delegations at Persepolis communicate the components of diversity, inclusiveness, and power central to Achaemenid imperial ideology.