Definition:
Some of the world's most elaborate columns were made during the fifth century BC in Persia, a land that is now Iran. The Hall of a Hundred Columns at Persepolis is famous for stone columns with massive capitals (tops) carved with bulls or horses.
As ancient Persia built empires, the unique Persian column style inspired builders in many parts of the world. Adaptations of the Persian column may incorporate a variety of animal or human images.
Common Features Found on Persian Columns:
- The shaft is usually fluted (grooved)
- The capital (top) is carved with two half-horses or half-bulls standing back-to-back
- Carvings on the capital (top) may also include scroll-shaped designs (volutes) similar to the designs on a Greek Ionic column.
Common Misspellings: persan, pursan, pershan
