Introduction to Inscriptions of Ardashir-e Babakan
Persia is the cradle of ancient societies with a rich culture in every corner, a symbol of the history and civilisation of the nations, which are well-known for honesty and purity. Everywhere we look, we see signs of the greatness and power of the kings of that time. Some provinces of the country have been more important than other regions due to the significance of local kings during their rule, and the remnants of the heritage are noteworthy for everyone. One of the significant provinces is Fars, where you can see inscriptions or historical monuments in every corner.
Firuzabad in the heart of Fars province contains a world of attractiveness and history, the most influential of which is the bas-relief of the crowning of Ardashir in the Tangab of Firuzabad. The stunning stone carving is showing off at 15 km from Firuzabad and near Qal’e-ye Dokhtar on a rocky mountain and next to a river full of water.
History of Inscriptions of Ardashir-e Babakan
After the Parthian Empire, and with the coming to power of the Sassanid kingdom, Ardashir-e Babakan was the ruler of Fars during the Fifth Parthian Ardavan. During Ardashir-e Babakan, the cities Firuzabad and Tangab had a high reputation and are still one of the most attractive cities in terms of urban planning and antiquities in the region.
The bas-relief of the crowning of Ardashir, which is one of the historical documents, also refers to the power, authority, and coronation of the powerful ruler. The relief gives us striking information about the Sassanid dynasty and their culture and has increased our understanding of the beliefs and religion of the dynasty.
The Bas-relief of the Crowning of Ardashir
To see the coronation of Ardashir, we do not need to go back to centuries ago. If we get a little closer to the stunning relief, people can be seen in it. In the stone carving, we see Ahura Mazda (the creator of Zoroastrian religious beliefs) handing over the princely ring to Ardashir.
Behind Ardashir is a child, most likely Shapur I, who ascended the throne with his father’s coronation. After Shapur are three of Ardeshir’s commanders and ministers, also on the left of Ardashir, Mitra(the greatest goddess before the birth of Zoroaster) is looking at the scene. There is an inscription between Ardashir and Mitra which unfortunately has become illegible due to the passage of time. The dimensions of the stone carving are about 3.7 by 7 meters, and its height from the ground is about 4 meters.
Inscriptions of Ardashir-e Babakan
Inscriptions and reliefs such as the bas-relief of the crowning of Ardashir can be seen in other parts of the region as well as Naqsh-e Rajab, in which the type and manner of standing, covering, and especially respecting Ahura Mazda follow a single style.
After the beginning of the Sassanid dynasty and the order of Ardashir to make the inscription, the tradition of stone carving was established in the government, since then, the reliefs have been carved in different parts of the government.