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Iran

Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I

Rock relief depicting royal coronation ceremony.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

The Ahura Mazda and Ardashir I rock relief is a significant archaeological site located at Naqsh-e Rostam, Sasanian Persia. Carved around 235 CE, it is one of the oldest Sasanian rock reliefs, capturing the coronation ceremony of Ardashir I. This relief, measuring 6.65 meters in width and 2.40 meters in height, depicts Ardashir I and the god Ahura Mazda on horseback, symbolizing the divine endorsement of Ardashir's rule as Shahanshah of Ērānshahr. The scene includes other notable figures such as the high priest Kartir and the defeated Artabanus V, the last Parthian king. Inscriptions in Middle Persian, Parthian, and Greek further emphasize the relief's historical and cultural significance by highlighting its Sasanian origins. The relief's excellent preservation allows for a deep understanding of Sasanian art and royal iconography.

Gallery

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FileIrnp105-Grobowce_Naqsh-E_Rustam.jpg
FileNaqsh-e_rostam.JPG

Archaeological Features

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Artistic and Decorative Features

ReliefsInscriptions

Historical Timeline

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Details

Country
Iran
Source
Wikipedia