Cyrus The Great

To the Persians paradise was a paradeisos or enclosure, a walled garden or parkland. In the arid land of the Persians, a green space well kept and watered filled with trees and shrubs was savored and tremendously enjoyed.

Cyrus II’s two palaces at pasargadae, designated by archaeologists as P and S above, stood in gardens as shown. Broad pathways facilitated strolling, while two airy pavillions encouraged contemplative viewing. Water running in channels beside the paths kept the gardens moist and added a glittering and cool effect. A throne was placed in Palace P’s portico so that one could view a large inner garden divided into four quadrants. This idea still prevails to this day in the design of Persian Carpets.