Armenian gift-bearers on a Persepolis relief

Persepolis, the ancient capital of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC), lies in present-day Iran and is famous for its finely detailed reliefs. One of them shows gift-bearers from the various peoples under the rule of King Darius, among whom the Armenians hold a prominent place.

The Armenian delegation, shown on the eastern staircase of the Apadana, consists of three men. Their gifts are a horse and an elegant vessel decorated with griffins. The delegation is led by a Persian noble.

On the right of the relief stands a man in a tall hat with a staff, holding by the hand the man who follows him. In the centre a man leads the horse by the bridle, and on the left a man carries the vessel in his hands.