Iran: Persepolis

Persepolis is one of the top ancient historic sites worldwide (on par if not better than Pyramids, Petra, and Angkor) (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaeminid Empire (550-330 BC). Built by Xerxes the Great, this mega-city was supposed to be a showpiece for his entire empire. Notable ruins include Great Stairway, the Gate of Nations, the Apadana Palace of Darius, the Hall of a Hundred Columns, the Tripylon Hall and Tachara Palace of Darius, the Hadish Palace of Xerxes, the palace of Artaxerxes III, the Imperial Treasury, the Royal Stables, and the Chariot House. The bas reliefs are incredible and well-preserved, which is not the case for the Imperial Treasure which was completely sacked and destroyed by Alexander the Great.