ABSTRACT
This study investigates the trabeated structure of Achaemenid palatial complexes; it reexamines the origins of the main hypothesized concepts about the roofing system, and the strength or weakness of these theories. Given the Achaemenids’ success in spanning very tall, spacious halls with limited intermediate supports, this paper searches for the practical methods used to improve the structural behaviour of columns and beams. It underlines the role of zoomorphic imposts, as well as a particular architectural setup that augmented the total load-carrying capacity and earthquake resistance of the Achaemenid structures. This study relies principally on the fundamental laws of mechanics, the observation of architectural remnants, as well as historical and modern literary sources about the methods of wood construction in antiquity.
