For more than a hundred years the elegant costumes that appear in the reliefs of Cyrus II and Darius I have sparked often intense debate as to who is represented and why. Against the dramatic backdrop of the principal monuments at Pasargadae, Susa, and Persepolis, this presentation will offer fresh interpretations of the nature and significance of the individual "dress codes" that typified 6th century BC and later Achaemenid Iran.

Part II of Persepolis and the Persian Royal Road, an all-day symposium celebrating the recent Ancient Art acquisition of an Achaemenid Persian relief of a gift bearer at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Reception to follow symposium. All symposium participants are welcome.

Wine for the reception donated by Darioush, Napa, California.

About Programs at the Ancient Art Council

Programs are varied and include such activities as lectures by noted archaeologists, museum curators, and ancient art historians; exclusive tours of the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions; fund-raising events; and travel programs to ancient sites and other museums. Members also receive invitations from related organizations to attend lectures ad exhibition openings. Your annual membership dues and contributions will assist in furthering the Ancient Art collection at the Fine Arts Museums.

April 25, 2009, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

One Man's Persian is Another Man's Mede: A New Look at Costume and Identity in Achaemenid Iran

Florence Gould Theater, Legion of Honor

Presented by Prof. David Stronach Professor Emeritus, Near Eastern Archaeology, University of California at Berkeley, and Co-Director, UC Berkeley-Yerevan State University Excavations at Erebuni

Admission: Free to the public; Registration required: 415 750 3686 or ancientart@famsf.org