The Rise and Fall of the Shah of Iran

Rise and Fall of the Shah of Iran exile and supreme power, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi iranian revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
Rolls Press / Popperfoto / Getty

Ceremony
In 1967, Mohammad Reza decided to stage a coronation ceremony, a formal acknowledgment of his status as monarch. Four years later, another lavish affair — contemporary news reports put the price tag at $100 million — was staged to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian monarchy.

share

Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.