 Construction of the Persian city of Persepolis began early in the reign of Darius I (522–486 BC), probably about 515 BC, and construction was completed in the reign of his son Xerxes (486–465 BC).The great staircase of the Apadana was part of the first building phase.Reliefs on part of the staircase depict Persian and Median nobles, with no apparent distinction of rank.