Limestone Column Capital in the Palace of Darius I
This gray limestone capital was discovered in the ruins of the Apadana within the great palace of Darius I from ancient Susa around 500 BC.
Louvre Excerpt
Capital of a column of the Audience Chamber (Apadana) in the palace of Darius I. Susa Acheminide epoch. Reign of Darius I (circa 510 BC) Limestone H 3.20 m AOD 1
Description
"The Apadana of the palace of Darius I at Susa, situated in the northern part of the residence, was a vast hall, held by square-based columns, with three porticos. The thirty-six square-based columns of the interior space were 21 metres high. The gray limestone capitals were composed of the foreparts of addorsed bulls supported the beams of the ceiling, and of volutes of Ionian inspiration. Missing is a palm-shaped corolla of Egyptian origin, of which several fragments have been found. The thirty-six columns of the porticos had a bell-shaped base" - Louvre