Persepolis is the ancient Persian royal complex linked with modern scholarly discussions of Achaemenid spring festivals.
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, founded by Darius I around 518 BCE in present-day Fars Province, Iran. Its monumental stairways and reliefs show delegations from different parts of the empire bringing gifts to the Persian king. Because these scenes depict imperial peoples gathering at a royal center, Persepolis is frequently discussed in connection with ancient court ceremonies, including possible New Year observances.
The reliefs do not provide a simple surviving inscription saying that the modern Nowruz festival was celebrated there exactly as it is today. That distinction matters: modern Nowruz has developed through many centuries and across many cultures, while evidence about Achaemenid ceremonies is archaeological and interpretive.
Persepolis is different from Pasargadae, Susa, and Ecbatana, which were also important Persian sites. Its monumental audience halls and gift-bearing reliefs make it the best-known archaeological setting associated with discussions of ancient Persian royal ritual.