Naqsh-e Shapur Relief, Darab

🕰️When was it built?

The work belongs to the Sasanian era and was added to the National Heritage List on 3 March 1937 as number 267. It is usually attributed to Shapur I and his victories over Rome, but some researchers, looking at the crown and the carving style, link it to Ardashir I.

🏛️What was it built for?

The relief shows a scene of the king's victory. In the common reading, Roman figures stand before the king and Sasanian nobles line up behind him. The carving is about 9.10 metres long and 5.40 metres high and is cut above a spring and pool.

👀What you will see

• The king on horseback is at the centre of the relief, his figure facing the viewer.
• The king's crown resembles that of Ardashir I, and this detail has become important in the debate over who he is.
• Eighteen Sasanian nobles stand in line behind the king.
• Under the horse's hooves lies a figure usually read as Gordian III.
• Three figures stand in front of the king, who in the well-known reading are Roman emperors and commanders.

💡Something interesting

Travellers such as William Ouseley, and later Flandin and Coste, attributed this relief to Shapur. Later the king's crown, compared with coins, led to the attribution to Ardashir being suggested as well. The name Naqsh-e Shapur is still in use, but there is no firm agreement on who the king is.

🎒Good to know before you go