The city that served as the capital of ancient Persia was Persepolis. Founded by Darius I in 518 BCE, it became a ceremonial capital and an important cultural center of the Persian Empire. Designed with grand architecture, Persepolis featured impressive palaces, relief sculptures, and monumental staircases, reflecting the empire's wealth and artistic achievements. The site symbolized the power of the Achaemenid dynasty and hosted various royal ceremonies. Persepolis was later destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BCE. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, illustrating the grandeur of ancient Persian civilization.