the stone guardian of Persepolis; The head of the cow that immortalized the greatness of the Achaemenid Empire

An image of a huge bull’s head that is more than 2,400 years old and represents the glory of the Achaemenid Empire, this giant statue was located at the entrance of the Hundred Pillar Hall in Persepolis.

This stone work is carved in a special way that shows the artistic and technical skill of the Achaemenid court; A flat face, prominent eyelids and elaborately curled hair are its distinguishing features.

The bull heads were designed in pairs and symbolized strength and protection, conveying a majestic image of the hall with their massive presence. Among the capitals, there were forms of cows, lions, griffins or human-like heads, which were made in pairs and back to back.

It seems that this black and white image was recorded in 1308, and the stone bull’s head is now kept at the University of Chicago in America.