Pasargadae [key], capital of ancient Persia under Cyrus the Great. Its ruins lie 54 mi (87 km) by road NE of Persepolis, in present Iran. The buildings of Cyrus include a temple in the form of a tower; the remains of his palace; and his tomb, a structure of white stone 18 ft (5.5 m) high, on a massive base. According to Greek historians, Alexander the Great found Cyrus' tomb already rifled, and he sealed its entrance. The tomb has long since been reopened. The name also appears as Parsagarda.
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