Remake of Research notes: Pasargadae Garden by Mónica Martín

Key Characteristics

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

The palaces of Cyrus had surrounding open spaces, in which the gardens were built, and used as a Complement to a General Plan, a Royal Residence.
The organization of the gardens was geometric and focused on the main axis.
View, network divisions, the presence of water nearby, pavilions and porches are considered traditions of the Persian Garden, which were also found in designs of later periods.

Key elements

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

Symmetrical pavillions within gardens.
Stone aqueducts and use of water elements.
Presence of fruitful, native plants and flowers.
Regular geometry.
Long porches.

Planting and Vegetation systems

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

Placed following the irrigation systems of the garden.

A variety of fruitful and shady native plants were used: Cherry, cypress, pomegranates, for example.

On the ground; herbs, fragrant flowers (clover, yellow rose, jasmine, iris and tulips) were used.

Architectural design

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

There are hypothesis of Pasargadae Garden being enclosed.

The buildings included semi-open porches.
These allowed to view the garden from the inside.
They also provided shaded spaces supported by tall columns.

Irrigation and water systems

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

Streams and water channels were used for irrigation, water storage and decoration.

Water elements: Irrigation systems, canals with rocky beds, squared ponds.
They allowed humidity and cooling of the garden.

Introduction

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

History context

Pasargadae was the first capital of the Achaemenid Empire, which was established by Cyrus the Great. It's creation was done under his direction, being a significant part of his imperial vision.

Let's remember that Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, which united the Persian tribes and conquered vast territories, and one of the largest in Persia's history and ancient history in general.

Pasargadae as the archetype of gardens

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

Multiple sources and scholars point to the Pasargadae Garden as the most documented examples of the Persian Gardens, as well as the Archetype of later gardens, such as the Safavid gardens, which made up one of the most important eras (1501 to 1736) in the history of Persian Gardening, after the Islam was established.

However, other scholars consider that the history of Persian Gardens is beyond the Pasargadae Garden, that the planning of the garden was actually created many years before Cyrus the Great. Following this idea, it's worth to mention that then, the origins of Persian Gardens can be attributed to Mesopotamian civilizations, which included the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians.

About Pasargadae Garden as the Archetype of Persian Gardens

monmagg15 — 2025-03-26 12:45:18 UTC

Fadaie, H., & mofidi shemirani, seyed majid. (2021). An Introduction to the Impact of Sustainable Landscape Parameters on the Archetype of the Design of Persian Garden: Royal Pasargadae Garden. Creative City Design, 4(1), 74-85. https://oiccpress.com/crcd/article/view/7653