Naqshe Rajab, Shiraz

Not far from Persepolis, there are three rock reliefs of the Sassanian period carved in the Kuh-e Rahmat. The first relief shows the Investiture of Ardashir I (224-241) who is receiving the crown adorned with large ribbons –the symbol of royalty-from the god Ahura Mazda. Behind the king is his son, Shapur I, and a page holding a fan. On the right of the god, under a canopy, are the queen and a lady-in-waiting, and two children are shown between the king and the god. On the left of this relief is the picture of a beardless dignitary who is holding up his right hand as a sign of respect; beside him is an inscription in Pahlavi. The second relief shows King Shapur I (241-272) on horseback. He is followed by a group of nobles and a procession of foot soldiers. One of the four figures in the front row is King Hormuzd I, the heir apparent. The third relief shows the Investiture of Shapur1. Both the king and the god Ahura Mazda, who is giving him the royal symbol, are on horseback. On the breast of the royal horse, there is an inscription in Sassanian Pahlavi and Greek.