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Naqsh-e Rostam

The Royal Necropolis

A Cliffside Burial

Just north of Persepolis is an imposing set of tombs carved into the rock, known now as Naqsh-e Rostam. Most of the Achaemenid kings were buried here, beginning with Darius I. His son Xerxes I and grandson Artaxerxes I followed his example. Even the usurper Darius II chose to be buried here, continuing the tradition.

Tomb of Darius I

The tombs are all of a similar style, with the burial chamber entrance surrounded by reliefs. Analysis suggests that these reliefs were originally painted. The tomb pictured here belongs to Darius I; incidentally, his is the only tomb to have an inscription that explicitly names the occupant.

Royal Reliefs

The upper panel of each tomb façade depicts the king standing on a stepped platform. This platform stands on a base supported by 28 figures, who symbolize the 28 nations of the Achaemenid Empire.

Sassanid Investiture Imagery

Several reliefs at Naqsh-e Rostam date much later than the tombs, belonging to the 3rd century AD. This one displays investiture imagery similar to the famous reliefs at Bishapur. Ardashir I (AD 224–242) is depicted accepting a royal ring from Ahuramazda, the Zoroastrian god.

Kabah-i Zardusht Tower

A mysterious tower stands near the cliffs, seemingly constructed in the early 6th century BC. It may have functioned as a fire temple, or it may have been another tomb. Either way, it was later embellished with an inscription from Shapur I, detailing his victories over Rome.

Fire Altars

Fire altars such as these were used for holding a sacred fire, possibly in a metal or clay bowl. Sacred fires were significant in Persian religion from the time of the Achaemenid dynasty through the Sassanian period. They are usually associated with the Zoroastrian religion.

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Related Websites

Naqs-e Rustam (Livius). This article includes a map of the modern site, pictures, and links to pages dedicated to different structures at the site.

Naqsh-e Rustam (Iran Doostan Tours). A helpful overview.

Naqs-e Rostam (Encyclopaedia Iranica). A page with detailed information about the reliefs and inscriptions.