Investiture Relief of Ardashir I, Firuzabad

🕰️When was it built?

The relief dates from the time of Ardashir Babakan, founder of the Sasanian state. The exact date it was carved is not clear, and scholars hold different views on when his royal reliefs were made. Together with Ardashir's victory relief, it was added to the National Heritage List on 3 March 1937 under the name Two Reliefs.

🏛️What was it built for?

The scene shows the receiving of kingship from Ahura Mazda and is one of the repeated examples of this theme in Sasanian art. The ring of kingship is the centre of attention, and the presence of Shapur and the princes behind Ardashir brings the king's family into the picture.

👀What you will see

• The figures of Ardashir and Ahura Mazda, carved in profile, standing and facing each other.
• The ring of kingship that Ahura Mazda hands to Ardashir above the fire altar.
• Shapur, the crown prince, and two other princes standing in line behind Ardashir.
• The relief panel, about 7 metres long and 3.7 metres high, holding several figures side by side.

💡Something interesting

The theme of giving the ring of rule to the king already existed in Iranian art before the Sasanians. Some scholars call the object a ring and others a diadem, so the word coronation does not necessarily mean the scene shows a crown being set on the king's head.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Follow the scene from the ring in the middle of the picture, then find the princes behind Ardashir.