The Gate of All Lands

THE GATE OF ALL LANDS
Field Negative P-1174
Negative N. 40380
Schmidt Expedition 1939

The Gate of All Lands, built and so named by King Xerxes (486–465 BC), marked the formal entrance to the terrace at Persepolis. The three monumental doorways on the east, west, and south sides of this freestanding structure made the gate seem open and welcoming yet at the same time controlled circulation and access. The colossal winged human-headed bulls of the east and west doorways are modeled on Assyrian art and present a message of inclusiveness to visitors approaching and leaving the terrace.