Stronach David

David Stronach is recognised as an expert on Pasargadae, which was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great. The archaeological site covers 1.6 square kilometres and includes a structure commonly believed to be the mausoleum of Cyrus, the fortress of Toll-e Takht sitting on top of a nearby hill, and the remains of two royal palaces and gardens. Pasargadae Persian Gardens provide the earliest known example of the Persian chahar bagh, or fourfold garden design. Stronach led extensive archaeological excavations between 1961 and 1963. Full details can be found in his book "Pasargadae: A Report in the Excavations conducted by the British Institute of Persian Studies from 1961 to 1963", a copy of which is held in our Collections.