The central panel of the staircase is dominated by traditional symbol of Zoroastrianism which is flanked by two winged lions with human heads. Elaborate panels at the southern end of the staircase ...

Others depict muscular lions, their mouths open wide as they bare their teeth; griffons with lions’ heads, bodies and forelegs, the hind legs of an eagle and the horns of a ram; and winged bulls.

A gold Achaemenid plaque featuring a winged lion-griffin, dated to between 500 and 330 B.C.E. Courtesy of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Who were the power players in the ...