Map made by: MossmapsCorrections according to Oxford Atlas of World History 2002, The Times Atlas of World History (1989), Philip's Atlas of World History (1999) by पाटलिपुत्र (talk) - This file was derived from: The Achaemenid Empire at its Greatest Extent.jpg, CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel along the Royal Road in Persia
In ancient Persia shah Darius the Great built a grand road so people could travel all amount his great empire, the empire of the Achaemenides. The original road was built from Sardis (in nowadays Turkey) to Susa (in Khuzestan, Iran). It was possible to continue to the grand palace of Persepolis and even on to India. The road connected as well to the ancient Silk Road.
The road became well known due to the stories of the great Greek historian Herodotus who wrote about this royal road.
From Sardi you could travel to places like Nineveh, Babylon and Ecbatana, sleeping in karavanserai's on the way. There were guards all over to protect bridges and other important places along the road. Couriers could deliver messages to the rulers in Persepolis and the road greatly improved trade for the Persian Empire.
Later the road was used by Alexander the Great to enter the Persian empire and even later as a postal road by the Romans.
Still you can visit parts of the Royal Road in Iran, especially around Susa. Part of this is done in our Iran Off the Beaten Track Tour.
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