Column as a symbol of Power In Achaemenid Architecture

Iranian architecture is a full-size mirror reflecting human thoughts in which moral and economical values and various spiritual moods are demonstrated. Favorable weather and propitious geographical conditions of Iran have assisted to formationof the architecture. In the architecture of the Achaemenids’, column has a special position and has always been considered as one of the main constituents in buildings and structures. The oldest column in Iran goes back to the 9th century B.C at Hasanlu from Mede period, while the culmination of the art of column working is related to the Achaemenids’ kingdom. This research with the library method and describing and analyzing method intends to survey about columns in Achaemenid architecture. Goal of this research is study on the elements of Achaemenid columns as display authority and power of kings. The Achaemenids could start developing columns and pile working in the direction of promoting the glory and magnificence of their imperial and as a symbol of tendency toward perpetuating and solidity using native art and combining it with the art of other nations and getting inspired by religious and non religious thoughts and beliefs. Using heads of columns in the forms of bull, lion, lamaso, and griffin was a symbol of power of the Achaemenids. This article discusses about the reasons of why column in the art of Achaemenid represents power and strength.