Images of the King

the block at the base of the statue is decorated with 24 figures that each represent the 24 subject nations, each figure is an original design meaning they can be easily identified to their region. The figures are depicted holding their hands up, this is symbolic of supporting the King.

How does it portray the role and images of kingship?

This is a relief of King Xerxes slaying a lion from Persepolis. It borrows Assyrian art styles portraying the king slaying lions to emphasise his strength and bravery. It is symbolic because he wouldn't have really fought lions. It displays his role as a protector and disciplinary. The king not having to wear armour emphasises his connection to the gods and that he is protected by Ahura-Mazda. His calm expression when slaying the lion shows that he is fearless and he is a calm and collected leader. This consolidates his power and reputation. The lion symbolises his opposition and rebels that he is suppressing.

Depictions of the king as a figurehead

Authority of the king over subjects

Satraps bowing down to the king as subjects after

A depiction of Xerxes located in Harem at the doorway of his palace in Persepolis. The relief displays the King leaving the palace and is an example of the destruction

Shows satraps being 'told off' for their failed revolution as an example

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Both Darius and Xerxes displaying symbolic dress and objects of Persian authority shows kingship as a successive line

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this shows his servants taking care of him by protecting him from the sun

clearly identifies that the Egyptians worshiped
Darius and considered him as a strong and powerful King.

Statue of Darius at Susa, originally from Egypt :

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woahh my god

Displays gaining loyalty from the administrative class as an important objective of kingship

The king is not wearing any armour. What does this mean?
(HINT: links to divinity)

this shows dominance as his is shown as taller. This also shows that he is relaxed and calm in his kingdom, sort of showing others that he his higher up and their petty attacks are not note worthy.

"ooh laa laa" pose

demonstrates the fusion between Persia and foreign cultures

Kingship being associated with the people the rising of the hand shows the king as a decision-maker

The lion is very dangerous. How do you think the king is feeling based on his expression? (HINT:power)

Reinforces divine links between Darius and Ahuramazda

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The bearers of the parasol show us the power in royalty and power of the Monarch. We can infer this is normal it is for him from how chill they both are

"This is the statue, made of stone, which Darius ordered to be made in Egypt. This is how everyone who will see this in the future, will know that the Persian man ruled in Egypt."

The lion is representative of something. What is it meant to show and what is the king doing to it? (HINT: Symbols/power)

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The king is holding something. What does it indicate to the viewer? (HINT: power)

There are two men behind Darius. Who are they and what do they represent? (HINT: power)

There is a man holding a hammer. What is his job and why is it important to the site of this building? (HINT: objects)

There is an important man delivering the tribute-bearers. Who is he? (HINT: bureaucracy)

The room in which Darius is sitting is beautifully decorated. What does this show? (HINT: power)

Darius is acknowledges as a powerful ruler in Egypt. What lands does he rule over there? (HINT: kingship)

There is interesting iconography at the base of this statue. What does it show? (HINT: power)

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Darius was known as uniting and binding both the Upper and Lower parts of Egypt, this is supported as on the statue he is depicted with a lotus flower and papyrus which represent the two lands and by holding both it is a motif of unity. This reveals that Darius had strong values of kingship and believed that his empire must be united

"To you is given all power, stability, all health and gladness of heart. All lands of the plains and of the mountains are reunited under your sandals. To you is given Upper and Lower Egypt, who offer their adoration to your beautiful face, like unto the god Ra, in eternity." - inscription of the God of The Nile, Hapi (featured on his breast)

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