Reliefs in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis, Iran (© Ozbalci/Getty Images)
It's International Archaeology Day, an opportunity to discover more about our past and different societies through ancient sites and artifacts. Across the world, events such as scavenger hunts, lectures, and interactive workshops will be held to mark the day and awaken your inner Indiana Jones.
Persepolis, whose ruins are in modern-day Iran, is an ancient archaeological site that once served as the ceremonial capital of the mighty Achaemenid Empire (c. 550–330 BCE). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is legendary for its magnificent ruins and Achaemenid architecture, including grand palaces, intricate carvings, and towering columns. Visitors can wander through the ruins to get a glimpse of its majestic past, when it was at the heart of what was then the largest empire of the ancient world.