Stones of macedonian catapults in Susa museum

[Cyrus]

Some days ago I was in susa and visited some historical places of this ancient city such as Apadana palace of Darius the Great and tomb of Daniel the prophet, I also visted the museum of this city, there were some large stones in this museum which were called stones of macedonian catapults, but did alexander conquer susa by force? Of course I don't know that those stones have been found in Susa or somewhere else!

[jona]

I don't know the answer about these stones - but it is GREAT to hear that the Susa museum is open again. I'll be there in January and guess what will be my first activity that day?Jona

[ruthaki]

Oh, you lucky people!!!

[jona]

Yes - I am fully aware of my luck. But I'll keep you all informed, my pictures are online.Jona

[Cyrus]

Unfortuantely nothing has remained of that splendid palace of Darius except some column bases, I suggest that you first visit the museum because many things that you expect to see there are just in the musuem, when you enter the museum, the first thing that you see, is a large bull column capital then relief of Persian immortals and some other Achaemenid things, you can see the end of Achaemenid period by visiting the largest statue in this museum, the large statue of hercules with a lion in his hand.
If you visit the museum and then enter the Apadana palace, you can build the palace yourself by your imagination when you walk through the columns, of course you should try to ignore that huge french castle beside the palace.

[jona]

"Unfortunately nothing has remained of that splendid palace of Darius except some column bases."In February, I visited the hill, and indeed, it is a sad place. The guard told us about shelling during the First Gulf War (between Iran and Iraq) and it was easy to imagine that this had been a war zone. Unfortunately, my camera was unable to cope with the intense light of Khuzestan (yet, some pictures at http://www.livius.org/a/iran/susa/susa1.html ).It was also the only place where we, eleven Europeans, had a minor understanding with the local population. In several museums (Tehran, Hamadan) we had heard people say that the originals of this or that monument were in France, in the Louvre. When the guard of Susa told us the same, we started to laugh because we recognized what he was going to say; unfortunately, his first thought was that we were laughing at him. Fortunately, it was easily explained. I hope to see him again.Jona

[Cyrus]

When I hear that some parts of Apadana palace have been destroyed during the Iran-Iraq war and I see that some other parts are preserved well in the Louvre museum, I think it is better that they stay in France!

[yiannis]

Don't say that. That makes a really bad prejudgement for the Parthenon Marbles

[rollsrite]

thankyou so much for the site. i live in southern florida, in the the u.s.a. and always wanted to visit europe. you are so smart, and i admire your knowledge and your traveling ability. thanks sooooooooo much