The pillared courts and halls of the vast edifices which the Achaemenian monarchs raised at Susa and Persepolis would have had a somewhat bare and cold aspect, if it had not been for their internal fittings.

The floors were paved with stones of various hues, blue, white, black, and red, arranged doubtless into patterns, and besides were covered in places with carpeting.

The spaces between the pillars were filled with magnificent hangings, white green, and violet, which were fastened with cords of fine linen ( ?) and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble, screening the guests from sight, while they did not too much exclude the balmy summer breeze.

The walls of the apartments were covered with plates of gold.

All the furniture was rich and costly.