Naksh-i Rustam

Tomb of Naksh-i Rustam (modern Persian Næqš-e Rostæm) is an archaeological site in Iran. It is a wall of rock, in which four similar ancient Persian tombs the are cut one belonging to Darius the Great. It is located about 13 km northwest of Persepolis are the Achaemenian royal tombs. There rises a perpendicular wall of rock in which four similar tombs are cut at a considerable height from the bottom of the valley. This place is called Næqš-e Rostæm "Picture of Rostam" because of the Sassanid carvings below the tombs, which were thought to represent the mythical hero Rostam. That the occupants of these seven tombs were Achaemenian kings might be inferred from the sculptures, and one of those at Næqš-e Rostæm is expressly declared in its inscriptions to be the tomb of Darius I. The three other tombs, besides that of Darius I, are probably those of Xerxes I, Artaxerxes I, and Darius II. The two completed graves behind Persepolis probably belong to Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III. The unfinished one might be that of Arses, who reigned at the longest two years, but is more likely that of Darius III, last of the Achaemenian line, who was overthrown by Alexander the Great.

Darius the Great's Inscription at Næqš-e Rostæm

I. A great god is Ahuramazda, who created this earth, who created yonder sky, who created man, who created happiness for man, who made Darius king, one king of many, one lord of many.

II. I am Darius the Great King, King of Kings, King of countries containing all kinds of men, King in this great Earth far and wide, son of Hystaspes, an Achaemenian, a Persian, son of a Persian, an Aryan, having Aryan lineage.

III. Darius the King says: By the favor of Ahuramazda, these are the countries which I seized outside of Persia; I ruled over them; they bore tribute to me; what was said to them by me, that they did; my law – that held them firm: Media, Elam, Parthia, Aria, Bactria, Sogdiana, Chorasmia, Drangiana, Arachosia, Sattagydia, Gandhara, Sind, Amyrgian Scythians, Scythians with pointed caps, Babylonia, Assyria, Arabia, Egypt, Armenia, Cappadocia, Sardis, Ionia, Scythians who are across the sea, Skudra, petasos-wearing Ionians, Libyans, Ethiopians, men of Maka, Carians.

IV. Darius the King says: Ahuramazda, when he saw this Earth in commotion, thereafter bestowed it upon me, made me king; I am king. By the favor of Ahuramazda I put it down in its place; what I said to them, that they did, as was my desire. If now you shall think that "How many are the countries which King Darius held?" look at the sculptures (of those) who bear the throne, then shall you know, then shall it become known to you: the spear of a Persian man has gone forth far; then shall it become known to you: a Persian man has delivered battle far indeed from Persia.

V. Darius the King says: This which has been done, all that by the will of Ahuramazda I did. Ahuramazda bore me aid, until I did the work. May Ahuramazda protect me from harm, and my royal house, and this land: this I pray of Ahuramazda, this may Ahuramazda give to me!

VI. O man, that which is the command of Ahuramazda, let this not seem repugnant to you; do not leave the right path; do not rise in rebellion!

Details of the carvings

1. The impression shows Nersi (296–304 AD), elder son of Shapur I, being designated the King by the great goddess Anāhītā (modern Persian Nahid).

2. This carving is located at the lower portion of the tomb of Darius the Great and consists of two similar seats. The upper image shows Bahram II (277–293 AD) fighting the enemy.

3. Representing the conquest of Shapur I (242–271 AD) against Valerian the Roman Emperor. In this carving, Shapur I is sitting on a horse and Valerian kneeling by the horse. Ceriyadis (the challenger of Valerian) is standing in front of the horse, and the king of Iran with streched hands, offers him a ring to rule the eastern Roman Empire.

4.This carving shows the conquest of Hormozd II, the Sassanian Monarch.

5.A picture of Bahram II defeating the enemy.

6.This famous carving is of great importance. It shows a person who is standing. To his left, a head and face can be seen.

7.A representation of the Sasanid founder Ardeshir (226–242 CE), this carving shows him being designated as the King by Ahura Mazda.

See Also

Iranian chamber society, History of Iran