Persepolis is in danger of extinction.* 

Pictures by: Farzad Aryan

Due to the intentional negligence of the authorities with no attempt to stop the natural wear and tear of the site, Persepolis is eroding rapidly.

Newest pictures show how humidity and the growing lichens are threatening the ancient bas-reliefs.

*Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BCE). Persepolis is situated 70 km northeast of the modern city of Shiraz in the Fars Province of modern Iran. The earliest remains of Persepolis date from around 515 BCE. UNESCO declared the citadel of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979.

(Click on the photo to see a close up of the damage)