Nylander,Carl. — Ionians in Pasargadae. Studies in old Persian architecture.

Uppsala, [Almqvist & Wiksell], 1970. 176 pp. B./w. ills. Orig. hardcover (orange paper covered boards with gilt lettering on spine), d./j. Large 8vo. (Boreas. Uppsala studies in ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern civilizations, 1).In this book, archaeologist Carl Nylander proves that Greek (Ionian and Lydian) stonemasons and master builders played a crucial role in the construction of the early Persian capital Pasargadae under King Cyrus the Great. The book is important because it convincingly demonstrates the cultural and technical exchange between the Persian Empire and the Greek world. Nylander analyzed traces of stonemasonry, such as the chisels (including the toothed chisel) and clamps used. He showed that these were identical to techniques in Asia Minor. He discovered that the markings on stones in Pasargadae correspond exactly to symbols on Lydian seals, providing evidence of Western artisans on site. The book offers insight into how the Persian Empire pooled labor and expertise from conquered territories to shape its monumental architecture. - Text in English.