Mount Behistun
Iran

Mount Behistun

Mountain with ancient multilingual inscription

Location

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Historical Context

About

Mount Behistun, located in Kermanshah Province, Iran, is an archaeological site of great historical significance due to the Behistun Inscription. This monumental inscription, carved during the reign of Darius I in the 6th century BCE, is a multilingual narrative that provides insights into the Persian Empire's history and administration. The inscription was crafted on a flat rock face of the mountain and is an extraordinary example of ancient Persian epigraphy. It serves as a critical source for understanding the languages and script of the time, being inscribed in three different languages. The site is also embedded in local cultural tradition through Persian legends. As a testament to the artistic and communicative achievements of the Achaemenid Empire, Mount Behistun stands as a crucial archaeological and historical landmark.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileBehistun_Inscription_in_Persia_ca._520_BC-_UNESCO_World_Heritage_Site.jpg
FileBistoon_Kermanshah.jpg
FileFarhad_Tarash_2010.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Darius I Inscription

c. 500 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Inscriptions
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Iran

Coordinates

34.39° N, 47.43° E