Naqsh-e Rajab

Naqsh-e Rajab is an archaeological site west of Istakhr and about 5 km north of Persepolis in Fars province, Iran [1]. Naqsh-e Rajab is the site of four limestone rockface inscriptions and rock-cut bas-reliefs that date to the early Sasanian Empire [1]. The earliest is the investiture scene of Ardashir I, the first Sasanian King of Kings [1]. The next relief, in terms of date, is the investiture scene of Shapur, where the king is depicted on horseback receiving a diadem or "ring of power" from Ahura Mazda [1]. The second relief commissioned by Shapur I is situated directly opposite the first [1]. It depicts Shapur I on horseback accompanied by 9 individuals on foot [1]. The latest relief is a bust of the Zoroastrian high priest Kerdir [1]. The relief is dated to the reign of Bahram II, and includes a 31-line inscription in Middle Persian outlining Kerdir's career under the Sasanian monarchs Shapur I, Hormizd I, Bahram I and Bahram II [1].