Luigi Pesce’s life and photography in Persepolis form a compelling chapter in the story of cultural exchange between Iran and Europe. His images remain powerful testimonies to the grandeur of the Achaemenid Empire and the early promise of photography as a tool of historical preservation. Through his careful, thoughtful work, Pesce ensured that Persepolis—its reliefs, columns, terraces, and vast silences—would be shared with audiences far beyond the Iranian plateau, securing a legacy that continues to inspire scholars, photographers, and admirers of ancient history.
