Darius I, called The Great (558?-486BC), king of Persia (521-486 BC) (we know as Iran today)
the stone carving depicts Darius I, right, also known as Darius the Great, and his son and successor Xerxes I. Darius I ruled the Persian Empire from about 521 to 486 BC. He secured the outer borders of the empire and reformed its internal organization, built highways, encouraged commerce, and organized a postal system. Darius allowed freedom of worship among the many different ethnic groups in the vast empire, earning their respect and goodwill.
.   This relief is part of the ruins of the Palace of Darius, Persepolis, Persia. The palace was built during the Achaemenian period, from 518 to 460 BC. The pillars were carved out of limestone, and the design of the reliefs was influenced by Assyrian sculpture. The relief probably shows Darius receiving gifts from his subjects.
    This stone vase, probably made during the Acaemenian period (550 to 331BC), has a foot, cap, and spout all made of cast bronze. The letters on the body of the vase stand for the Medici family, who apparently bought this piece in the 16th century and remounted it, adding their initials.

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