Naghsh-e Rostam | A magnificent historical complex

Naghsh-e Rostam is one of the most spectacular and noteworthy historical places of Iran, which was both inscribed on UNESCO’s Heritage List.

Located in Haji Abad Mountain, 6 kilometers way from Persepolis, in Fars province, Naghsh-e Rostam has three eras of history, the structures of Elamite gods, the mausoleum of Achaemenid kings and carvings of Sassanid kings.

The Mausoleums of Achaemenid kings

The rock tombs of some of the greatest Achaemenid kings are located in Naghsh-e Rostam; Tombs of Xerxes (Khashar Shah), Daruish I, Ardeshir I and Daruish II.

The symbols of tombs ‘outer parts

On top of the platform, there is a king with an arch in his hands, which is a symbol of strength, with AhuraMazda standing in front of him. Two places for burning the sacred fire are seen in the carvings. On the right Top a moon is carved which represents the world’s instability and on the bottom of the platform there are representatives from different nations who are holding the kingdom throne.

Mausoleums’ structure

The entrance door of each mausoleum is square shaped which were locked in ancient time. Only the Daruish Mausoleum is different because it has some cuneiform writings, in which he is praising AhuraMazda, mentioning his victories and talking about his thoughts.

The cube of Zoroaster (Kaabe-ye Zartosht)

In front of the whole Naghsh-e Rostam complex, there is a beautiful cube which is called the Cube of Zoroaster (the Iranian prophet). The cuts and carves of the black and white stones are done so professional and precise, which are demonstrating the capability of the architecture in Achaemenid Empire. There are different beliefs about this room: That it was a place for keeping Avesta (the religious texts of Zoroastrians), or it is the tomb of Bardiya, Cyrus’s son, who was killed by his brother Cambyses. Others think that this room was for storing the sacred fire. In Sassanid dynasty, some important governmental documents were kept in here.

Sassanid stone reliefs in Naghsh-e Rostam

There are eight Sassanid stone reliefs which are cut into the cliff, displaying great scenes of Imperial conquests and royal ceremonies.

The investiture relief of Ardeshir

The triumph of Shapour I

The “grandee’’ relief of Bahram II

The two equestrian reliefs of Bahram II

The investiture of Narseh

The equestrian relief of Hormizd II

The reason of the naming

It seems that by the equestrian reliefs of Naghsh-e Rostam, the legendary hero of Shahnameh, Rostam, came into people’s mind. Shahnameh is the Iranian national epic, written by the famous poet Ferdowsi. Naghsh-e Rostam means carvings of Rostam.

The Oldest relief in Naghsh-e Rostam

The relief belongs to two different eras: one is related to Elamite era, dating back to 700 years ago and the other one is the victory of Bahram II, which was carved on the Elamite relief.