Naqsh-e Rajab

Naqsh-e Rajab is a Sassanid archaeological site about 3 km north of Persepolis in Fars Province, Iran, featuring four rock-cut bas-reliefs carved into a grotto-like bay at the foot of the Mountain of Mercy. The reliefs include the investiture of Ardashir I (r. 226-240 AD) by the god Ahuramazda in human form, the investiture of Shapur I (r. 241-272 AD), an equestrian scene of Shapur I with nine attendants, and the historically important inscription of the priest Kartir, founder of the Sassanid state church. The site is part of the Marvdasht cultural complex, a tentative UNESCO World Heritage candidate.