Muammar Gaddafi's well-intentioned investment in his favorite city turned out to be a nightmare.

A dreamy mausoleum honors Persia's most famous poet.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

This ancient burial site is believed to be one of the first earthquake-protected structures in the world.

Marked by the hand of the explorer Henry Morton Stanley.

Long before air conditioning, Persian architects found an ingenious way to cool off.

A historic trade hub teeming with gorgeous architecture, colorful goods, and vibrant designs.

Putrefaction plateaus in Iran, where the dead were sent for decontamination before going to their final resting place.