The aim of this article is to review the process of plan changes from rectangular shapes to square, and the reasons for these changes through the Achaemenid dynasty. The innovation of using square plans in the second stage of Achaemenid architecture progressed with its developed style that fatherly left influence on domes construction in Parthian architecture. The ideology of “Darius The Great” and the impact of affiliated nations on his intellect were the reasons, for which the transformation of pre - Achaemenid rectangular to square plans was occurred. The cited phenomenon was studied to be the result of Greek’s cultural impression, regarding the use of numbers and figures in plans. Square plans stepped into Persian architecture as the perfect shapes with respect to Pythagorean philosophy and beliefs of some intellectuals, such as Plato. Square plans were, moreover, adapted to create a new style of architecture; since, they were the bases on which domes were constructed. 

Keywords: Architecture, Achaemenian, Plans, Square, Dome

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